World Immigration News

Denmark Offers Lessons as Europe Toughens Up on Immigration

Release Date: 2025-11-23
Media: The New York Times
Summary: Britain’s government is increasingly modeling its asylum policy on Denmark, which has become a European reference point for strict migration controls — notable because they were implemented by a center-left government. Since the 2015 refugee crisis, Denmark has introduced tough measures intended to deter asylum seekers, such as tightening permanent residency rules, housing asylum applicants in spartan facilities, and even proposing the confiscation of valuables. As a result, asylum applications have dropped sharply, and the governing Social Democrats long benefited politically.

However, Denmark’s experience also shows the limits and risks of such an approach. Some asylum seekers, like a Turkish woman living for years in the Avnstrup return center, cannot return home despite harsh conditions. Human rights groups warn of a “race to the bottom” that leaves people in prolonged insecurity. Researchers say the policies may make even legal migrants feel unwelcome, damaging long-term social cohesion.

Politically, warning signs have emerged. In recent municipal elections, the Social Democrats suffered major losses — including losing Copenhagen after more than a century — as some voters said the government’s rhetoric on migration sounded exclusionary or fear-mongering. Denmark has also faced legal challenges, such as criticism of its “ghetto law” targeting neighborhoods with many non-Western residents.

Former leaders argue that Denmark must remain open to needed legal migrants while limiting asylum flows to maintain support for its welfare system. Meanwhile, asylum seekers like an Iranian family in the Avnstrup center continue to arrive despite the deterrence measures, highlighting that people fleeing danger will still seek refuge, even under strict policies.
Tags: Denmark

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