A new idea is taking hold in European politics. It’s called remigration, which means sending migrants back to their home countries. This idea has been gaining popularity, especially among political figures like Martin Sellner and parties such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ). But is this the solution Europe needs, or a dangerous path to divisiveness?

In November 2024, the AfD’s Bavarian branch passed a resolution calling for remigration—a plan to send migrants who aren’t fully integrated back to where they came from. This has stirred up a lot of debate. Some people say it’s a racist, discriminatory idea, while others argue it’s necessary to preserve European culture and identity.

Martin Sellner, an Austrian political activist, is one of the strongest voices pushing for remigration. In his book Remigration: A Proposal (2024), Sellner explains that many migrants in Europe haven’t fully adapted to their new homes. He believes that countries should reverse this migration, starting with those who don’t fit in culturally, economically, or socially. Sellner’s ideas have sparked widespread discussions in Europe, even influencing major political parties like the AfD and FPÖ.

But why is this such a big issue? And what would it really mean for Europe if countries started sending migrants back home?

A Bold Proposal

Sellner isn’t just talking about deporting people. He’s pushing for a structured, voluntary process called remigration. It would involve creating incentives to encourage people to return to their countries of origin, rather than forcing them to leave. This approach would focus on helping migrants build better lives back home, rather than just kicking them out. Sellner argues that remigration is different from deportation because it respects people’s dignity and provides them with real opportunities to thrive in their home countries.

One of the major issues Sellner addresses is the belief that migrants are needed to solve Europe’s aging population problem. Many say that immigrants are needed to fill jobs and pay for social benefits like pensions. But Sellner argues that most migrants from non-European countries don’t actually help the economy as much as expected. Instead, they increase the burden on healthcare and education systems. According to Sellner, sending migrants back home could ease these financial pressures and allow countries to focus on strengthening their own labor forces.

A History of Remigration

Sellner isn’t the first person to think about remigration. There are historical examples of people returning to their countries of origin. For example, in the early 20th century, Greece and Turkey swapped populations in an effort to prevent conflict. Sellner also points to the mass repatriations of Afghans from Pakistan and the return of Indian workers to Fiji as examples of successful remigrations.

One of the most well-known examples is Operation Wetback, which in the 1950s saw over a million illegal immigrants sent back to Mexico. These events show that remigration has happened before—and in some cases, it helped prevent conflict and helped people rebuild their lives in their home countries.

Why This Matters Now

So, why is this such a hot topic today? With Europe facing increasing migration, many people feel that the continent’s identity is under threat. Some fear that the influx of migrants is changing the cultural landscape, especially with fears of Islamic radicalism and the rise of parallel societies where migrants don’t integrate. Sellner and his supporters believe that remigration is the only way to protect Europe’s culture and way of life.

The idea is controversial, and many people don’t agree with it. Critics argue that it’s racist or inhumane. They say sending people back to countries that may not have the resources to support them is cruel. However, Sellner believes these concerns are exaggerated and that remigration could be a win-win: it would help migrants by giving them opportunities to rebuild their lives, and it would protect Europe from losing its cultural identity.

How Could It Work?

Sellner’s proposal isn’t just about deporting people. It’s about creating a gradual process that allows people to return to their home countries voluntarily. This would involve offering support, such as financial aid, job training, and infrastructure projects, to make it easier for people to reintegrate into their home countries. The idea is to reverse the migration flow without creating chaos or instability.

Sellner’s plan also includes making it harder for people to stay in Europe without fully integrating. He advocates for stricter citizenship laws, which would only allow people who have completely adapted to the culture and language to become citizens. This would also mean that people who refuse to integrate, or who engage in criminal behavior, wouldn’t be able to stay.

The Political Landscape

Remigration isn’t just an idea being pushed by activists. It’s gaining ground in European politics, with parties like the AfD and FPÖ championing the cause. The AfD’s recent vote to endorse remigration in Bavaria is a clear sign that this issue is becoming a key point in European politics. If more parties and voters get behind this idea, it could become a major part of political platforms in the coming years.

However, there’s a risk that these ideas could be distorted. Some fear that remigration could be misused to justify harsh deportations, or that it could lead to even more divisiveness in European societies. Critics argue that instead of focusing on sending people away, Europe should work on creating better opportunities for everyone, no matter where they come from.

What Lies Ahead?

The debate over remigration is just beginning. It’s clear that the concept is gaining traction, but whether it will become mainstream is still uncertain. If implemented, it could change the way Europe views migration and integration. But one thing is certain: this issue isn’t going away anytime soon. As Europe continues to grapple with migration, remigration could become one of the most important political issues of the decade.

Would sending migrants back to their home countries help Europe, or would it create more problems? Only time will tell—but for now, the conversation about remigration is growing louder and more urgent.