Development of Asylum Policy in Germany

Abstract

This paper reviews the origin of the constitutional rule on asylum and the development of German asylum policy from 1948 onwards. The constitutional rule on asylum was central to the political conflict which escalated after the mid-eighties, resulting in a violent mobilization and an amendment to the constitution in 1993. The consequences of this amendment and the impact of Germany's asylum policy on European policy and regulations after 1993 are discussed. The restrictive asylum and repatriation policy after the amendment of 1993, especially with regard to war refugees from former Yugoslavia, is described. Finally, the paper discusses the impact of the change in government in 1998 on Germany's asylum policy, and draws some general conclusions about the discourse on refugees in relation to the self-image of the host society.