In mid-2025, the German government suspended family reunification for people with subsidiary protection status. Behind this political decision lie real human stories. To demonstrate the consequences for unaccompanied minor refugees to members of the German Bundestag, Terre des Hommes , together with young refugees and its partner organizations BBZ and the International Refugee Assistance Project, visited the Bundestag and spoke with members of the SPD parliamentary group.
Serious consequences
The suspension has serious consequences. Even families who have been in the family reunification process for a long time remain separated for years. Children miss their parents and siblings, live in constant worry about their relatives, and find little stability. Although the governing coalition promised to at least consider hardship cases in a transparent process, only two hardship applications had been granted by December 2025.
Integration cannot succeed in a vacuum – it requires security, connection, and family support. Terre des Hommes therefore demands that the suspension be lifted immediately and family reunification be reinstated. Families belong together. The voices of the affected children and young people, as well as those of their advisors, must be heard and included in political decisions.
Your contact person
Annika Schlingheider
Speaker on Flight and Migration