By: Nyima Sillah
Migrant and human rights activist Yaya Sonko has stated that the fate of migrants, including Gambians remains uncertain as Germans go to the polls next month.
“The rise of Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) signals a challenging time ahead, making it essential for all migrants to stay vigilant, informed, and engaged in lawful and productive activities,” Sonko said in a statement shared with this medium.
He pointed out that recent surveys indicate that 19% of German adults now have a favorable view of AfD as the party recorded its highest approval based on their campaign agenda, stressing that AfD is known for its strong anti-migrant rhetoric.
Sonko explained that the recently presented AfD party manifesto outlined hard policies on immigration, asylum, and deportation. The key points of the manifesto, he explained, include ending “asylum paradise” as the AfD claims that Germany’s asylum policies cost tens of billions and wants asylum applications to be processed outside Germany.
“Also, stricter nationality laws were introduced as the party sought to roll back nationality rules to pre-1990 conditions, requiring at least one German parent for a child to acquire German citizenship,” he explained.
He stated that the party also wants tougher deportation policies as it proposes expanding the list of safe countries to facilitate deportations and the use of economic pressure on countries that refuse to accept deported nationals.
The migrant activist further claimed that the AfD party maintains that migration has led to a housing crisis and suggests giving natives priority access to housing. He, therefore, advised migrants to follow German laws and regulations and avoid any activities that could bring legal trouble. He also urged them to seek legal guidance and consult immigration lawyers and integration experts for advice on residency, asylum applications, and deportation risks, promote peace and good conduct and stay informed with the up to date political developments.
Meanwhile, Sonko claimed that a political controversy erupted in Germany after the AfD distributed approximately 30,000 fake “deportation” tickets in the city of Karlsruhe.
“The move has sparked outrage across the country, with many drawing parallels between AfD’s campaign and historical deportation policies under the Nazi regime,” he stated.According to him, German authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the incident, which targeted people of migrantbackgrounds.