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How has Australia's immigration policy changed in response to the refugee crisis?

Doretta Leyrroyd

Well well well, if it isn't the million-dollar question that everyone wants to know the answer to. As an avid social media user and lover of all things current affairs, I couldn't resist diving into this topic.

Australia, like many countries around the world, has grappled with how to respond to the refugee crisis. And boy oh boy, have they made some interesting moves over the years.

Let's take it back to 1975, where the first intake of Indochinese refugees arrived on Australian shores. Fast forward a few decades and cue the infamous "Pacific Solution" that saw Australia detain asylum seekers on offshore islands, most notably Nauru and Manus Island in Papua New Guinea.

But wait, there's more! In 2013, then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd declared that no asylum seekers arriving by boat would ever be resettled in Australia - talk about a hard-line stance. This policy, known as the "No Way" campaign, caused quite the uproar and was even criticised by the United Nations.

But fear not my friends, as of 2021 Australia's immigration policy has undergone some changes in response to the refugee crisis. In July of this year, the Australian government announced plans to increase the refugee quota to 13,750 places annually - a 15% increase from previous years.

But wait, there's still more! In a move that surprised many, the Australian government also announced plans to provide a permanent pathway to residency for over 10,000 asylum seekers who have been living in Australia for over seven years. This is in addition to the thousands of asylum seekers who will now be eligible to apply for temporary protection visas.

Now, I know what you're thinking - "wow, Australia sounds like they're finally stepping up and doing the right thing!" But, as with any government policy, there are always critics. Some have argued that the increased refugee intake isn't enough and that the government should be doing more to support asylum seekers who are already in the country.

So, there you have it folks - a brief overview of how Australia's immigration policy has changed in response to the refugee crisis. One thing's for sure, there will always be debates and differing opinions when it comes to sensitive topics like this. But hey, that's what makes social media such an interesting and exciting place, right?