The Opening and Closing of Borders in Germany: Control Gaps?

At the height of the "migration crisis" Germany opened its borders in September 2015. Thousands of refugees entered Germany per day and overwhelmed the authorities. As a consequence, no fingerprints were taken, the identity of people was not registered in many cases and tens of thousands of people "disappeared" without making a claim for asylum. A debate followed, about migrant criminality (especially concerning the events on new year's eve) and potential recruitment of terrorists, as well as the fear of limted state resources, for instance for the provision of shelters and integration capacities. These circumstances did not only stimulate inclusive approaches, in the light of a responsible, liberal state following human righs norms, but also exclusive policies and laws. The more rigid policies include the facilitation of enforced returns. Examples for this are the designation of further safe countries of origin, the strengthening of border management and the lobbying for a Turkey-EU Deal, as well as the police and military missions of EU and NATO in the Mediterranean. The contribution will contrast the inclusive and expansive developments in German migration policies of recent years with the latest trend in control enforcement. Questions adressed are: What is Germany's capacity to address the control gap? What are its internal and strategic implications and litmits?