They finally did it. Australia no longer accepts people who arrive by boat. As <a href="http://www.immi.gov.au/visas/humanitarian/novisa/">this very strong public message</a> done in different languages suggests, from 19 July 2013 people who travel to Australia by boat with no visa, will not be settled here and will be sent instead to Papua New Guinea, whether they be classified as refugees or not.
Those who do not agree to this new policy think that it is harsh to close the country's doors to those who need help. <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-opinion/youve-been-misled-on-boat-people-here-are-the-facts-20130718-2q5rv.html">Asylum seekers do not commit any offence by coming here</a>. Under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights every person has the right to seek protection in any territory they can reach. Some think this is another form of racism, and that these people can contribute to Australia's society, culture and economy if only they are allowed to.
Then there are those who applaud the current PM for having the gall to do what should have been done years ago. They fear that Australia will become the next South Africa, where the crime and unemployment rates are sky-high because of their slack immigration laws. Some who spent time, money, and effort in obtaining a visa think they are being cheated by the boat people. I've read comments from people saying if these asylum seekers really are running away from war or The Talibans, why do they have to dangerously travel halfway around the world, ignoring heaps of countries along the way, endangering the lives of women and children, in order to get here? Something else is pulling these people to come here, and someone is getting rich in doing so.
Personally, I think the reason it took this long before this was implemented was no one wanted to look like the bad guy. Although my wife and I had to undergo language, health, and police clearances before Australia thought "yea you're alright, mate!", I'm not gonna go there. Land, much like food, is meant for everyone and we are all morally obligated to help one another. I think everyone should be given a fair chance, and that everyone who came in here in whatever medium should adapt and learn to live with each other.
Let's hear your thoughts.