Family Separation: The Policies, Procedures, and Consequences for Refugee Background Families

Family is the social unit fundamental to human flourishing. An almost universal consequence of refugee experiences is the destruction of the family unit. What is more, the nation States to which refugee families resettle, act to reconfigure, and separate family members through restrictive immigration policies. This article explores the mismatch between the conception of family from the perspective of people with refugee backgrounds and the policies of the Australian Government. In light of these findings, it presents the broad principles that should guide humanitarian resettlement and family reunion policies.