FAMILY REUNIFICATION Meaning and
Definition
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Family reunification is a term that refers to a process or policy whereby families who have been separated or scattered due to various circumstances, such as migration, war, natural disasters, or other extenuating circumstances, are brought back together and reunited. It entails the reestablishment of family ties and the facilitation of the return or migration of family members to a common location or country in order to live together as a unit.
The objective of family reunification is to promote and preserve family unity, recognizing the importance of familial relationships and their contribution to the well-being and development of individuals. This can involve an array of legal, administrative, and logistical procedures, including visa applications, sponsorship requirements, and, in some cases, financial support from the receiving country or organization.
Family reunification is often seen as an essential component of immigration policies, as it acknowledges the social and emotional benefits of maintaining strong familial bonds. It is considered a human right under international law, emphasized by international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Furthermore, family reunification can play a crucial role in the integration process of migrants or refugees, as it provides a support network and sense of belonging that aids in adaptation and adjustment to a new country or community.
Etymology of FAMILY REUNIFICATION
The etymology of the word "family reunification" can be broken down as follows:
1. Family: The word "family" originated from the Latin word "familia" which referred to a household, including not just parents and children, but also servants and other members who lived together. It stemmed from the Latin word "famulus" meaning "servant" or "slave".
2. Reunification: The word "reunification" is derived from the verb "reunify" which is a combination of the prefix "re-" meaning "again" or "back" and the noun "unify". "Unify" comes from the Latin word "unificare" which means "to make one" and is a combination of "uni-" meaning "one" and "-ficare" meaning "to make or do" from "facere" meaning "to make".
