Equal chance for immigrants

New York Times - 16 May 2002

Dear Sir/Madam

Your correspondent Jane Perlez (Deep fears behind Australia's immigration policy, 8 May) is badly mistaken.

Immigrants are not "chosen on the basis of ethnic mix". They stand an equal chance of being selected regardless of ethnic origin, gender, colour or religion.

The six million migrants to Australia since World War II represent 150 different nationalities, 200 different languages and practice over 70 religions.

The granting of a humanitarian visa either on- or offshore has nothing to do with an "ability to integrate". Places in the offshore component of Australia's Humanitarian Program are determined on the basis of greatest relative need of resettlement.

Those people who apply onshore are assessed in accordance with the Refugees Convention. Immigration detention has nothing to do with seeking asylum -- it is the result of being in Australia without lawful authority.

The overwhelming majority of people, upwards of 80 percent, who claim asylum in Australia arrive lawfully and are free in the community while their claims are processed.

All of our immigration detention facilities are located in or near townships in which Australians themselves reside.

Of the current detention population - 1,228 as at 10 May - only 65 people are awaiting primary decisions on protection visa applications.

The remainder have breached their visa conditions, and are people who have arrived illegally and found not to be refugees, and thus have no legal basis to remain in Australia.

Sincerely

Michael Thawley
Ambassador