Germany begins rejecting asylum seekers at borders amid new migration policy

Germany has started rejecting asylum seekers at its borders with other European countries. This marks the first such action since the new government announced stricter measures to curb irregular migration. Between May 8th and 9th, 286 migrants and refugees were turned back out of 365 attempts to enter the country without documents. The main reasons for rejection included the absence of valid visas and false documents. Authorities also detained 14 smugglers, executed 48 open arrest warrants, and arrested nine individuals under laws combating extremism. Exceptions were made for four applicants classified as "vulnerable." The new German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, promised stricter controls on all nine of Germany's land borders. These measures aim to deter illegal migrant entry and address voter concerns about rising far-right support.