The Financial Times reports Merkel Takes Less 'Welcome' Tone on Refugees as Pressure Builds.

Refugees securing asylum in Germany should expect long delays before they can bring over their families, Chancellor Angela Merkel warned on Monday in a departure from the "welcome" policy critics have blamed for triggering a huge influx of migrants.

The announcement came amid signs of demands in the ruling CDU/CSU bloc for a tougher response to the crisis, with Wolfgang Schäuble, finance minister, adding his voice to those advocating immigration restrictions.

Steffen Seibert, Ms Merkel's spokesman, said on Monday there had been no legal change in the government's policy. Still, in a clarification that may be welcomed by some hardliners, he explained that even refugees entitled to bring in their families could not now expect to do so because immigration officials were busy dealing with the wave of arrivals.

"When you see this reality from one end of the country to the other, then it is clear to everyone: family reunion as it has been understood until now cannot currently take place," he said.

His words appeared to be aimed at countering the positive image of Germany among refugees that was created in the summer by Ms Merkel's open doors policy for Syrians.

Bring the Wife and Kids

Somehow, "no change" is a tougher stance. But let's work this symbolic change to the end meaning: If you are going to come, bring the wife and kids in the first place.