In the first six months of the year, Germany registered 39,646 asylum applications. This is significantly lower than the previous year, when 61,336 applications were submitted during the same period. The downward trend has persisted for the second consecutive year. By comparison, in the first half of 2024, German authorities received about 121,000 asylum applications. The decrease in applications is occurring against the backdrop of stricter migration policies. Following his appointment, Germany's Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt ordered enhanced border control and expanded the practice of denying entry to illegal migrants. Exceptions are made for individuals in need of special protection, including pregnant women and those with serious illnesses. According to the Ministry of the Interior, since the beginning of the year, German border guards have prevented the entry of 14,270 illegal migrants into the country. At the same time, the fight against human smuggling has intensified. Over the past six months, law enforcement agencies have detained 494 suspected organizers of illegal migration. Additionally, during border checks, 4,074 individuals wanted on previously issued arrest warrants were apprehended. For Germany, migration policy remains one of the key domestic political issues. Amid growing public concern over security and migration, federal authorities continue to strengthen border control and review measures to limit illegal entry. Published statistics show that the number of new asylum applications continues to decline; however, authorities have not yet drawn final conclusions about whether this trend will be long-term.