Chapter 4. Immigration, Asylum, and Terrorism: How Do They Inter-relate in Germany?

Abstract

German soldiers were not actively engaged in Gulf War I or the post-11 September war on terrorism. Coincidentally, however, Germany reflected upon fundamental changes in immigration and asylum law in the early 1990s as well as in the early 2000s. Yet, the relationship between immigration, asylum, and terrorism was conceived of very differently. In the early 1990s, measures combating terrorism did not directly relate to immigration and asylum law. Rather, they were primarily connected to criminal law. In the aftermath of the attacks of 11 September 2001, measures against terrorism and changes in immigration law were intrinsically entwined. Measures introduced and enacted in the aftermath of 11 September 2001 were wide-ranging and – right from the start – also aimed at non-nationals residing in Germany or wanting to enter Germany. Keywords: asylum law; criminal law; German soldiers; Gulf War I; immigration law; post-11 September war; terrorism