Majority of Germans Support Government's Asylum Immigration Curb Plans, YouGov Survey Shows

Public Opinion Hardens on Asylum Immigration

A recent YouGov poll has revealed that a significant majority of Germans support the federal government's initiatives to reduce asylum immigration. The survey, conducted between December 12 and 15, 2025, found that 53% of respondents fully endorse the government's plans to curb the number of asylum seekers entering the country. When including those who 'rather support' the policy, the total support rises to 76%. Only 15% of Germans expressed opposition to the current approach.

Key Findings from the YouGov Poll

The YouGov poll, commissioned by the German news agency dpa and also reported by Die Welt, surveyed over 2,100 eligible voters. Beyond the general support for curbing asylum immigration, the findings underscore a broader shift in public sentiment. A substantial 53% of Germans indicated they would favor a total moratorium on all new immigration, coupled with the mass deportation of migrants already residing in Germany.

Further details from the poll highlight deep-seated concerns regarding migration:

• 81% of Germans believe that illegal immigration over the past decade has been 'far too high' or 'rather too high'.
• 75% stated that illegal immigration has been 'bad for Germany'.
• 57% also consider legal immigration to have been too high.

These figures suggest a profound rejection of the 'Welcome Culture' that characterized Germany's approach during the 2015 migration crisis, with a prevailing view that the negative consequences of both legal and illegal migration now outweigh any perceived positives.

Government's Stance and Measures

The German federal government, under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has been actively pursuing stricter migration policies. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, who took office in May 2025, has been a key figure in this push. His directives include implementing stricter border controls and authorizing the rejection of asylum seekers at Germany's borders, with specific exceptions for vulnerable individuals such as pregnant women and the seriously ill.

The government's legislative efforts include the approval of a bill to tighten immigration laws, which impacts individuals with subsidiary protection status and aims to end accelerated naturalization processes for certain immigrants. Additionally, the 'Rückführungsverbesserungsgesetz' (Repatriation Improvement Act), passed by the Bundestag on January 18, 2024, seeks to expedite deportations and extend the duration of detention for individuals awaiting removal. At the European Union level, Minister Dobrindt advocates for more stringent asylum regulations, including the establishment of 'return centers' for asylum seekers who are required to leave Germany.

Broader Context of Migration Policy

The government's actions are aimed at reducing asylum applications, which stood at 352,000 in 2023 and saw a moderate decline to 250,000 in 2024. The administration emphasizes that asylum seekers should file their applications in the first EU country they enter, rather than traveling to Germany. Furthermore, efforts are underway to establish bilateral agreements with countries of origin to streamline the repatriation process. The Interior Ministry has also announced enhanced border controls and new procedures to turn back irregular migrants, with Minister Dobrindt revoking a 2015 instruction that had allowed undocumented immigrants to seek asylum on humanitarian grounds.