The Story
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is ready to make a deal.
What kind of deal?
The kind that will address the country's immigration policies. The EU's been facing a migrant crisis for years. Millions of people from places like the Middle East and Africa have made the trek to escape things like poverty and persecution back at home. Germany has been the hostess with the mostest for many of these people.
Is that changing?
It looks like it. Some people in Germany – like people in other countries in the EU (see: Italy) – are getting tired of hosting migrants. Last year, it voted a far-right, anti-immigration party into parliament. This is putting Merkel in a tough spot.
Why?
Because she's been all 'open borders, man.' But there are lawmakers that aren't about that life. Last month, the country's interior minister gave Merkel an ultimatum to come up with a fix. She did. But the interior minister said 'not good enough' and yesterday, he threatened to resign. Now, Merkel's caving to try and keep the peace.
What do you mean by caving?
As in say goodbye to Merkel's open-door policy. And say hello to this new agreement which holds migrants – who are registered in other EU countries – in transit centers along the border, while Germany tries to negotiate their return.
Anything else?
Speaking of countries struggling with the welcome mat, Denmark. The country's gov is introducing new laws for what it calls immigrant "ghettos" – aka low-income, mainly Muslim areas. It says families haven't integrated. So now adults there could lose welfare benefits if they don't let their kids spend 25 hours a week learning "Danish values."
theSkimm
Back in 2015, the migrant crisis was at an all-time high. Since then, migration rates have dropped significantly. But immigration is still one of the biggest issues facing the EU today. And is causing divisions between countries as well as within them.
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