The German government’s Commissioner for Integration, Natalie Pawlik, has expressed her criticism of the government’s decision to suspend the family reunification of subsidiary protected individuals, a move pushed for by the Union. In an interview with the Frankfurter Rundschau, Pawlik stated that from an integration policy perspective, she believes the suspension of family reunification to be detrimental.
Pawlik cited scientific studies and her own personal experience, saying that people who are with their loved ones and not worrying about their children or relatives abroad tend to integrate better. She views the agreement as a compromise with coalition partners, but is working to change the policy.
The government’s decision, which still needs to be approved by the Bundestag, would temporarily suspend family reunification for subsidiary protected individuals. Pawlik also expressed her opposition to deporting individuals who are working or attending school in Germany.
She believes that those who are working, attending school, or in training should be allowed to stay in the country and is working to achieve this goal.
Pawlik’s comments were not specifically in response to a recent case in which a family from Afghanistan was deported to India, sparking protests. She emphasized that individual cases are reviewed and evaluated by the responsible authorities.