BERLIN — The German Cabinet endorsed measures Wednesday that would make it easier to deport many noncitizens convicted of a crime, responding to outrage over the sexual assault of hundreds of women by foreigners on New Year’s Eve and growing skepticism about the government’s ability to accommodate more than a million asylum seekers.

The legislation would lower the bar for deporting criminals in Germany, allowing authorities to require anyone to leave the country if convicted of homicide, bodily harm, sexual assault, violent theft, or serial shoplifting.

The measures require approval in Parliament, but Chancellor Angela Merkel’s coalition holds a majority there, and they are expected to pass.

Merkel’s refusal to limit the number of migrants entering the country has damaged her popularity and caused a rift in her governing coalition.

Other countries in Europe have declined to take in a proportionate share of migrants.

New York Times