Immigration programs are not racist

Sunday Herald Sun - 20 May 2002

Dear Sir/Madam

Contrary to the Lonely Planet's view of the world (We are 'drink driving racists', May 12) these are the facts regarding illegal immigrants and Australia's humanitarian program.

Australia's immigration programs do not discriminate on the basis of ethnic origin, colour, religion or gender. In fact, the six million migrants who have come to Australia since World War II represent 150 different nationalities, 175 different languages and practice more than 70 religions.

Australia is undeniably one of the world's most generous humanitarian countries and has been for more than 50 years, during which time we have resettled more than 600,000 people in humanitarian need. Our Humanitarian Program will continue to give priority to people in greatest need of resettlement, with 12,000 new places for the 2002-03 financial year.

People who arrive in Australia without authorisation are required by law to be detained - this has nothing to do with subsequent claims for asylum.

People in detention who are found to be refugees are released immediately pending health and character checks. In fact, some 80 percent of asylum seekers receive a primary decision on their asylum application within 18 weeks and 10 percent of cases are processed within seven weeks.

Those who spend lengthier periods in detention have generally chosen to appeal negative decisions through the appeals and court process.

With regard to overstayers and others who breach visa conditions, in the last financial year the Department located 14,238 overstayers and people breaching visa conditions.

These overstayers have applied for and been granted a visa to visit this country - we know who they are and where they have come from. They should not under any circumstances be confused with those people who have put their lives in the hands of people smugglers and entered Australia in a clandestine manner in order to circumvent the law.

Furthermore, it should be noted that not everybody who arrives in Australia unlawfully seeks asylum and not everybody who seeks asylum is a refugee.

Kym Charlton
Acting Director
Public Affairs