According to recently released German crime statistics, non-Germans make up around 60% of suspects in violent crimes despite being only 14.6% of the population, fueling debate around the country’s immigration policies.
The data showed foreigners accounted for over half of all suspected criminals and saw higher percentage increases in violent and theft offenses compared to Germans.
The rising crime “has to do with migration,” said Andrea Lindholz of the Christian Social Union (CSU) party. “We need to manage migration better, we need to know who is coming to our country.”
While the data is incomplete and does not prove guilt, it has prompted discussion on better managing migration and doubts about integration capabilities as the government pledged swifter deportation of migrant criminals.
Critics argue the policies of former Chancellor Merkel have radically transformed German society since opening Europe’s migration crisis in 2015, with some saying the limits of integration have been reached.
Germany is reaching its “limit” in its “ability to integrate” migrants, Lindholz said.
