October 23 2007: Sudanese Immigration
Filed under Politics
I’ve been meaning to blog about this topic for a number of weeks now, but my lack of Internet access has unfortunately prevented me from doing so. Now that I’m back online with permanent rather than sporadic access though…
Over the past few weeks, there’s been somewhat of a controversy over what appears to be racist comments on the part of Kevin Andrews, the current Minister of Immigration – which is of course, hardly the position you’d want filled by someone with such beliefs. Essentially, Andrews feels as though the immigration intake of African (or more precisely, Sudanese) refugees should be limited until the middle of next year, as ‘the quota has been filled’. That argument is in itself, fair enough. I understand and accept the economic reasoning behind not being able to accept large amounts of migrants within a short amount of time.
However, what I don’t understand is why migrants from Africa would be denied, while migrants from other, predominantly white, countries would continue to be accepted. A migrant is a migrant, a refugee is a refugee. Sanctuary and a new chance at life in what is largely an accepting and enlightened country, should be offered to those who need it most, not those who want it most – Sudanese refugees escaping a country plagued by civil war should rate higher than white Britons wanting to immigrate to Australia for the sun.
Of course, Andrews’s stand isn’t helped by his comments that African migrants “don’t seem to be settling and adjusting into the Australian way of life as quickly as we would hope”. Aside from the fact that the Australian way of life is a crock of shit and doesn’t actually exist, there is no proof that the percentage of societal disturbances caused by African migrants is any more than their numbers in society would indicate, or that they have any more trouble integrating into society than any group of nationalities have had in previous decades.
My own interactions with African migrants certainly plays a large part in my disgust with Andrews. There’s many African nationalities in my new neighborhood, and they’ve been nothing but welcoming to my family since we’ve moved in, showing up with fruit and homemade desserts. They invited my brother and I over for dinner one night when my parents were at work, and we were greeted by a house of over fifty of their friends and family – all of whom were African, all of whom welcomed us warmly, all of whom were pursuing education they didn’t receive in their own countries, all of whom were making the most of their second chance in a new country. Contrast this to the reception we’ve received from other non-African neighbours who don’t even acknowledge me on the street, despite the fact that I always smile and greet them.
Needless to say, I’m highly disturbed by Andrews’s comments. I always thought that Australia as a whole was largely an accepting (not tolerant as that hints towards an underlying resentment and distrust, but accepting and embracing) society where all people were given a chance to prove themselves as individuals, to not be stereotyped unless in fun and jest (a.k.a. The Wog Boy, Pizza). To have these racial stereotypes reinforced in an entirely serious and unjokingly way by a federal minister strengthens my small-l liberalism, and reiterates why I’ll be voting for any party other than Howard’s Liberal Party at the upcoming elections.
Yes, those comments are off-putting. It’s as if your Immigration Department really doesn’t want to let the Sudanese in. Shame.
What I find so interesting, is comparing Australia’s immigration habits to the ones I am more accustomed to (the US’s). It’s quite interesting to think about, really.
Jennifer on October 23 2007 #
I completely agree with you. I can’t believe that they would refuse immigrants based on that sort of discrimination >:/
Kaylee on October 23 2007 #
Argh, I can’t stand Kevin Andrews or the Liberal Party. Whenever they go on about how various minority groups aren’t “integrating” with society, I think about how sheltered they must be. At my school, there is not actually a clear ethnic majority. There is an ELC, where recent immigrants do an intensive English course and then either attend our school as an ordinary student or move to another one. The people in the ELC prefer to speak only to people who speak their own language (which is understandable, because they’re still learning English), but for those of us who are in the normal part, we hang out with anyone, regardless of race. So far as I know, it is just not an issue, no more than hair colour or eye colour is.
I mean, if politicians go to so many schools while on the campaign trail, they should try coming to mine. Could teach them (or at least Mr Andrews) a thing or two.
Jessica on October 23 2007 #
This entry reminds me of a Babysitter’s Club book I read. When Mallory visits Jessi’s extended family and feels strange because of all the African interior but then learns that they’re regular people.
I guess some people are always afraid of the unknown.
Nellie on October 23 2007 #
I feel awful because I haven’t the faintest idea who you’re talking about. I’m assuming it’s Australian politics.
What I REALLY came over here to do was to say… OMG AMANDA, DID YOU SAY PERMANENT INTERNET ACCESS? YAY!
‘Kay, now I got that off my chest. :)
Meli on October 24 2007 #
Well said me reckons. Particularly about the word ‘tolerant’. I reckon it’s a shocking word, even worse than that, it’s being taught to us in high school.
Part of the syllabus in hospitality is cultural diversity, and success in these area is achieved by ‘tolerance’ and ‘respect’ which really - to me - are not the same thing at all.
I have actually began seeing a lot more Sudanese and African people around, but I’ve yet to come across one who has been rude, ignorant, violent, or in any way unpleasant.
…and who could honestly not love those big massive colourful dresses they wear?!
Paddy on October 25 2007 #
this is too late to reply but I feel I should……. Proud of you, Amanda! as you know it was shocking and fearing moment from Australian Sudanese to hear of which Any Sudanese was trying to distance themselves from this incident not wanting to have any other Issues with anyone except peaceful life….
Yuol on September 7 2008 #
You are overlooking the experience in the UK and Canada, which is of academic underachievement, overrepresentation in crime and welfare. The initial group may be fine, but their children will adopt the same norms of ‘gangsta’ LA culture and form gangs:
“Police sources have told The Australian that gangs involving Sudanese men, including African Power and the Bloods and Crips—inspired by the Los Angeles-based crime groups—have grown in numbers and become more of a concern in the suburbs of Collingwood and Carlton.: Richard Kerbaj, The Australian (Syndney), March 25, 2008
Ben on October 28 2008 #