Former immigration minister Alex Hawke calls for action on bridging visa backlog with thousands left in limbo By Lisa McGregor

Rathy Barthlote and her family are caught up in a tricky situation. 

Her 11-year-old daughter Lolitta, born in Australia, became a citizen with full rights at the age of 10. 

But Ms Barthlote, her husband and 16-year-old daughter Logitha are all asylum seekers with few rights. They've been living in Australia since 2014 while their refugee claims go through the system.

"Their friendships, schooling and sense of belonging are all here," Ms Barthlote said.

"One child has everything, the other child is worried about her future."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-15/bridging-visa-immigration-limbo-former-minister-alex-hawke/105643190?fbclid=IwY2xjawMR8sJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEyOTc1bkRqb0ttNExxTTlPAR5tO-z5t0KSCgNLDRjo2QlxzainDHipv1ur12ooS1Pby8B-h-jzTPfoqk2KCQ_aem_m1S7KLgUllSpyWU5EcsPFQ