The German Bundestag has passed a new law reforming the right of residence and the rules of terminating residence. For the first time, this legislation does not rely on key dates. This should improve the situation of long-tolerated migrants. The legislation also makes it easier for the state to deport or expel foreigners who do not have a realistic chance of obtaining a residence permit. The German human rights group Pro Asyl welcomed the new rules as a step in the right direction, but criticized the fact that this could mean an expansion of pre-deportation detention for asylum seekers.