
Open Letter to All Parties Represented in the German Bundestag and those Running in the 2025 Federal Elections: The Election Campaign’s problematic Focus on Migration Policy, Racist Rhetoric, and the dehumanizing Term ‘Remigration’
- by Black Feminist Power
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#ihrhabtangefangen #einTagOhneUns (#youStartedIt #aDayWithoutUs)
Open Letter to All Parties Represented in the German Bundestag and those Running in the 2025 Federal Elections: The Election Campaign’s problematic Focus on Migration Policy, Racist Rhetoric, and the dehumanizing Term ‘Remigration’
Dear Elected Representatives,
Dear Political Parties,
As the 2025 federal elections approach, we, as citizens of this country, feel compelled to raise our voices against the troubling rhetoric surrounding migration policy which has increasingly dominated the campaign in recent weeks. In the wake of the horrific attack in Aschaffenburg, which resulted in the deaths of a child and a man, it is crucial that during this collective phase of political debate and the struggle for future political leadership, we, as citizens of this country, can expect a respectful, objective discussion on migration—one that is guided by appreciation for all members of society. Lately, especially in the past week, migration policy has been instrumentalized as a central campaign issue, often in a way that fuels division rather than fostering constructive dialogue. As engaged citizens, we see it as our duty to highlight the dangers of toxic election debates on migration and asylum policy and their far-reaching consequences.
Migration is a complex and multifaceted issue which cannot and should not be reduced to simplistic narratives based off of fear and stereotypes. The way migrants/BIPoC—both with and without German citizenship—are discussed in political discourse directly affects public perception and, more importantly, real lives. Fear-mongering rhetoric that categorizes and dehumanizes people is not only unethical but also profoundly dangerous. For some time now, we have observed an alarming shift in political discourse, where racist and right-wing populist narratives, often propagated by the AfD, have been echoed by almost all democratic parties. In the 2024 election cycle, the term ‘remigration’ was increasingly weaponized as a vehicle for divisive and exclusionary policies, and it has now taken center stage in the 2025 federal election campaign. It is widely understood that ‘remigration’ is a euphemism for the systematic deportation of individuals deemed ‘unworthy’ or ‘not belonging’—a categorization often based on racist or discriminatory narratives rather than legal status or social integration.
We are now witnessing another critical turning point. The devastating attack in Aschaffenburg, which deeply shocked, unsettled and justifiably outraged so many, is being exploited to push racist rhetoric and right-wing populist agendas to mobilize votes in the federal election campaign. This pattern can be observed across multiple parties and candidates, yet there has been a glaring failure to engage with those who are directly impacted by these harmful portrayals—migrants/BIPoC, with and without German citizenship. Instead of addressing us all, as citizens of this country, as members of this society, your campaign strategies have centered themselves around the fear-mongering and divisive rhetoric introduced by the AFD and other right-wing populists, rather than presenting constructive, forward-thinking solutions.
We therefore call on you to ensure that your campaign language and policy proposals reflect empathy and appreciation for all individuals living in this country and respects the rights and dignity of all members of society. We live in a world where people leave their homes for a variety of reasons – including war, persecution, economic hardship, and the pursuit of a better life. The causes for migration are rarely isolated but rather interwoven with global economic structures, trade inequalities, and arms exports—factors that directly contribute to displacement, particularly in the Global South. Recognizing these complexities is essential to developing responsible, humane policies. Do not allow migration and asylum policy to become a tool for populist exploitation. Instead, approach it with humanity and responsibility.
Therefore, we call on you to reconsider your positions and engage in a respectful dialogue on migration and ‘remigration.’ Enter into a dialogue with us and outline what serious and feasible solutions might look like. We assume that you do not intend to base such democratic policy initiatives on the AfD’s deportation paradigm or on hastily proposed measures such as €1,000 return incentives and charter flights, as already put forward by certain factions of the CDU.
Specifically, we urge all parties running in the federal elections to:
1. Engage in dialogue with those affected:
Migration, asylum policy, and ‘remigration’ have been widely debated as though BIPoC/migrants—both with and without German citizenship—are not integral members of this society. This exclusion is particularly evident in populist rhetoric and inflammatory debates. You have largely failed to engage in meaningful dialogue with the communities directly impacted by these narratives. We demand that this conversation be initiated immediately.
2. Reject racist and populist paradigms:
We expect that you will not base serious, human-rights-compliant policies on the rhetoric and demands of the AfD or simplistic proposals such as return bonuses and mass deportations. Migration is a complex issue that cannot be addressed through polarized, reactionary measures. We call on you to unequivocally distance yourselves from these damaging narratives.
3. Clarify the meaning and intent of the term ‘remigration’:
We demand that all political parties provide a transparent and precise definition of the term ‘remigration’ and disclose its political and social objectives. This discussion must involve those who would be directly affected by such policies.
We urge you to take this appeal seriously and commit to fostering an appreciative, respectful dialogue. It is essential that the individuals and communities referenced in your political rhetoric and policy proposals are included in the discourse. We therefore invite you to engage with us in an open and constructive discussion to develop sustainable solutions that align with the principles of democracy and social justice.
We, the undersigned organizations, associations, and umbrella groups, collectively represent over 500,000 BIPoC/migrants—both with and without German citizenship. As citizens of this country, we demand an objective, respectful, and forward-thinking debate on migration policy.
In emphatic anticipation,
Adefra e.V. (Schwarze Frauen* in Deutschland)
akoma
BKMO (Dachverband vertritt über 70 Mitgliedsorganisationen)
Dachverband der Migrant*innenorganisationen in Ostdeutschland (DaMOst) e.V. (Dachverband vertritt über 400 Mitgliedsorganisationen)
EOTO e.V.
IniRromnja
ISD Bund
IWS (International Women* Space)
Kaneza Foundation for Dialogue and Empowerment
Kelipen e.V.
Korea Verband
Migrationsrat Berlin e.V. (Dachverband vertritt über 90 Mitgliedsorganisationen)
Landesnetzwerk Migrantenorganisationen Sachsen-Anhalt (LAMSA) e.V.
PAWLO-Masoso e.V.
RomaniPhen e.V.
Rom*nja Theaterkollektiv Berlin
SVK - Selbstverteidigungskurs mit Worten [intergenerationelles Kollektiv von (jungen) Frauen* - Berlin]
(un)Sichtbar - BIPoC Initiative
zedela (Zentrum für Data-driven Empowerment, Leadership und Advocacy)
Zentralrat der Afrikanischen Gemeinde in Deutschland e.V.
Change.Org Petition: https://www.change.org/p/offener-brief-ihrhabtangefangen-eintagohneuns?utm_medium=custom_url&utm_source=share_petition&recruited_by_id=66e5adb0-53ac-11ea-ac21-f19579d86de7