The U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) recently warned that the immigration bill "could fuel fear, xenophobia and similar restrictions that would reduce -- rather than expand -- the asylum space globally and put refugees in need at life-threatening risks."

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The Danish government slightly adjusted the proposal as criticism mounted. "The recent debate on the law mandating the police to seize refugees’ valuables did cause some of the supporting parties to demand clarifications on its scope," said Zachary Whyte, an asylum and integration researcher at the University of Copenhagen.

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The minimum value for cash or valuables that can be seized was raised to about $1,500. Moreover, items of sentimental value such as medals or wedding rings are exempt. The government has said the earnings are supposed to be invested into health care, schooling and education.

According to the Times of Israel, Bent Melchior, the former chief rabbi of Denmark, said in December that the initial proposal appeared "like it had the character of what was actually in force during the Nazis’ persecution of minorities." Other commentators had made similar comparisons.

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The Danish government has staunchly defended its proposal. The integration minister, Inger Stojberg, wrote in a post on Facebook: "There is no reason to criticize, since it is already the case that if you as a Dane have valuables for more than 10,000 kroner ($1,450) it may be required that this is sold before you can receive unemployment benefits." Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen echoed that sentiment and accused journalists of painting "an incorrect picture of Denmark."

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Critics of the law, however, are still not convinced that the law is just. "The government has argued that the jewelry law puts asylum seekers on an even footing with Danes on social benefits, but Danes are not subject to search and seizure of their valuables by the police," Whyte said. "They are asked to declare their wealth to the municipality, but the police are not involved and no one goes through their possessions."

The law is part of a set of bills that will make Denmark one of Europe's toughest destinations for potential refugees. For instance, refugees will now have to wait two years longer to apply for a family reunification. The legislation will also make it harder for refugees to stay in the country for an extended period of time.

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Between September 2014 and September 2015, about 13,000 refugees applied for asylum in Denmark -- whereas that number exceeded 1 million for the entire 28-member European Union for the same period. The Danish government deems the measures necessary to decrease the influx.

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UNHCR acknowledged Denmark's "long tradition of providing sanctuary to those in need of international protection." But human rights organizations have criticized the country's policy proposals.

"It is a violation of human rights, if refugees must wait three years to be reunited with their families," the Danish Institute for Human Rights wrote on its website. The Institute quoted its executive director as describing Denmark's recent actions as having caused a chain reaction in the north of Europe. "Several countries in Europe are starting to make themselves less attractive in order to avoid a greater burden than necessary. It is understandable from each country's immediate point of view, but it is a slippery slope towards less protection," he said.