Critical Political Economy of Migration Policies Vis a Vis the Rising Right-Wing Extremism

This research primarily aims to examine the development of immigration and integration policy in Germany and the political-economic background of migrant labour policies. The study posits that labour market policy and labour regime preferences are key factors in the social integration of migrants. This premise allows us to link migrant integration and labour market policies. In the aftermath of the 2008 global crisis, a strategic overlap emerged between refugee reintegration and labour market policies in the European political economy. Various economic, political, and social actors, along with their media outlets, supported the German government's new refugee integration policies under international and national regulations. This support primarily arose from concerns about the declining competitiveness of the German labour market following the 2008 global economic crisis. As a result, “migration became to be seen as positive because and insofar it helped to meet skill and price-specific labour demand.” (Georgi and Schatral 2012:220) The policy documents of government and business sectors present an explicitly pro-migration stance, with very positive and supportive discourse regarding immigration processes. Analysis of these documents and integration processes reveals a coherent and unified attitude among policy actors, rather than a contradictory one. However, recent European elections and state elections in Saxony, Thuringia, and Brandenburg have shown a rise in support for the anti-migrant, far-right AfD party. Public discussions about refugees reveal a less positive attitude. An anti-migrant sentiment is gaining ground in society and, increasingly, in the political sphere as well. This contrast between official policy and public sentiment poses a complex challenge for German policymakers. They must balance maintaining an open, welcoming stance towards immigrants—crucial for addressing labour shortages and demographic challenges—with addressing the concerns of a growing population segment uneasy about the pace and scale of immigration. This paper examines this contradiction and analyses how it's reflected in the governance of migration policies. This research has been supported and funded through the 2219 - International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program for Turkish Citizens of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK).