Australia's Immigration Policy And Immigrant example essay topic

History essay Explain how Australia's immigration policy and immigrant intake has changed since 1901 and how it affected migrant experiences. Australia's immigration policy, immigrant intake and migrant experiences have changed due to many reasons. 1901 was the time of the White Australia Policy which was used strictly. In turn, it is now 2002, the time of multiculturalism where migrants are treated with alot more respect. Firstly, Australia's immigration policy has changed from 'White Australia Policy' (meaning no immigrants accepted apart from europeans) around 1901 to Multiculturalism today in 2002. The policy was officially formed about 1945 (before it was official, it was an 'idea' in which to keep out the asians from Australian's gold fields) The first step towards a less discriminatory migration policy was taken by immigration minister Harold Holt, (which later became PM of Australia in 1966) with support from the Australian Labour Party.

The process of the white Australia policy to be abolished took gradually about 25 years. Some examples of the steps taken to remove the racist policy were; the relaxing of restrictions on non-european immigrants. In 1952 Japanese wives of Australian servicemen were allowed to live in Australia. In 1958 the Dictation Test, requiring migrants to take a written test in a European language, was removed. Lastly, in 1966 Prime Minister Harold Holt Acknowledged the importance of Australia's relationship with Asia and decided to review the current immigration policy. As a result of the policy change, the immigrant intake changed aswell.

The white Australia policy did not allow any migrants in Australia apart from the Europeans. The Australian government kept Australia white until about 25 years after the policy became official. In 1966 the PM, Harold Holt played a main role in the abolishment of the white Australia policy which allowed migrants from all over the world to arrive, in their hundreds of thousands. Why did all of there immigrants come here? In 1945, it was the end of the Second world war which Australia was a part in, and many Australians died in the war which left the population down greatly. The government had no choice but to take in a great amount of immigrants to restore the population; and also to obtain many skilled workers to repair the amount of people working in the labour force.

Since 1945 to 1980's was the biggest immigration intake in Australia's history (refer to multiculturalism source) Also some other other post-war immigration statistics are: 5.9 million migrants arrived, within this figure about 3.1 mil males and 2.8 mil females. More than 590 000 people arrived under humanitarian programs, initially as displaced persons and more recently as refugees. And a population increase from about 7 million to over 19 million. Due to these two changes in immigration of Australia, the experiences of migrants were definitely altered.

Obviously, migrants now are treated with alot more fairly and with more respect, as in the white australia policy period any non-European was considered a reject and metaphorically speaking - spat on. Even though in the multiculturalism era many migrants were still teased regardless of the change in policies (e.g. my interview - Steve: they called me "wog") A pamphlet from the Department of Immigration tells what citizenship offers. Its reads: TELL YOUR NON-BRITISH FRIENDS that there are 10 important benefits of citizenship: 1. YOU have the full protection and assistance of Australia " 's laws at home and at your Australian overseas representitiveswhen you travel abroad. 2. YOU may vote at federal and state elections.

3. YOU may seek election to the federal or state parliaments, or local governing bodies. 4. YOU may sit on a jury to try your fellow citizens; you may become a judge or magistrate in Australia's courts. 5. YOU may serve with any of Australia's armed services and hold any rank.

6. YOU may own land in any state of Australia. 7. YOU have the right to become a permanent Government official. 8.

YOU are eligible for ALL social service benefits. 9. YOU can hand in your Alien Registration Card and forget the restrictions aliens are subject to. 10. YOU have a homeland with a stake in its prosperity. You have a right to a full share of everything Australia has to offer.

All these offers are given to immigrants who become citizens of Australia which is a far better offer than before - which was ridicule and non-acceptance from another fellow human being!