The legislation would speed up the way migrants are handled, especially those less likely to be awarded asylum. It would also cut down the number of migrants and make it easier to deport foreigners who commit crimes.

The crackdown comes after a spate of thefts and sexual assaults on women in the city of Cologne on New Year's Eve. Those attacks have mostly been linked to foreigners.

Last year, Germany received 1.1 million migrants and this year some 800,000 are expected, the largest number in any European country.

A recent poll showed German Chancellor Angela Merkel's approval rating dropping to its lowest rate in 4-1/2 years, reflecting the widespread disapproval of the handling of the refugee crisis.

Chief of Staff Peter Altmaier, whom Merkel appointed to oversee the refugee crisis, said the new measures could go into effect sooner than originally projected.

"We want to get better and faster this year at the deportation of rejected applicants who have no claim to remain here," Reuters quoted Altmaier as saying.

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