Immigration into Australia

Andrea Rohr – Post 2 – Immigration

Part 1

The Monthly, “Asylum Seekers,” by Robert Manne

http://www.themonthly.com.au/nation-reviewed-robert-manne-comment-asylum-seekers-2706

The first immigrants seeking asylum came to Australia in 1975. These “boatpeople” came from South Vietnam. At the time “The Right supported the refugees as escapees from communism; the Left as part of the project of burying White Australia.” Yet, during the early 1990’s when refuges were coming from the Middle East, some Australians were less than welcoming. The government came up with the “Pacific Solution” which gave them the right to detain asylum seekers in detention camps or place them on small outside islands. The “Pacific Solution” is not in effect anymore, but many citizens still are debating the best action for immigration reform.

Part 2

Pickled Politics, “Australian anti-immigrant politician becomes an immigrant herself,” by Sandy

http://www.pickledpolitics.com/archives/7520

Former anti-immigration politician, Pauline Hanson, has uprooted her home from Australia to move to England. Hanson built her career on claims that Australia was “swamped by Asians,” until she switched her target to refuges arriving from the Middle East. She has now had enough. The hypocritical former politician has become what she so disgusted, an immigrant.

Part 3

I found it really interesting that Australia did not have any immigration, known to the government, by individuals seeking asylum until 1975. This is in stark contrast to the United States where the Puritans began to arrive in the 1500’s to escape the Church of England.

I was not surprised to read that immigration has become a hot subject of debate on both sides of the political sphere. I am curious to learn more about how those whom immigrated to Australia survive. Whether they are placed on a welfare system, find jobs, and whether or not they still embrace their culture. I believe everyone has the right to a safe living environment, and that immigrants should be welcomed with open arms. Citizens of both countries should understand, that most citizens are immigrants; for we are not the indigenous people of the land we call home.