Germany has seen a dramatic 50% drop in asylum applications in the first seven months of 2025, according to newly released data from the Interior Ministry. 

The ministry reported 70,011 initial asylum applications between January and July, compared to 140,783 in the same period last year. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt credited the drop to tightened border checks, faster processing at EU external borders, and a stricter stance on deportations and human trafficking.

The Bild newspaper cited several factors contributing to the decrease, including the fall of Assad's regime in Syria, which reduced the number of Syrians fleeing the country, and EU and Balkan measures that eased pressure on key migration routes. Dobrindt’s refusal to grant entry even to asylum seekers crossing Germany’s external borders illegally has also played a role in reducing the numbers.

However, Dobrindt’s new policy sparked controversy. Since May, nearly 9,500 people have been denied entry at Germany’s land borders. Critics argue the pushback policy may violate European law, which requires member states to assess asylum applications or at least determine which country is responsible for the process.