Labor Criticizes Coalition's Immigration Policy as 'Appalling' Amid Calls for Clarity
Labor lashes Coalition immigration plan as Usman Khawaja calls policy ‘appalling’
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Labor has condemned the Coalition's immigration policy proposed by Angus Taylor, which prioritizes migrants from liberal democracies. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke criticized the plan for lacking clarity and potentially alienating multicultural communities, while cricket player Usman Khawaja labeled it 'appalling' and discriminatory against Muslims.
- 01Labor challenges the Coalition's immigration policy for lacking clarity and being divisive.
- 02Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke demands examples of individuals affected by current deportation powers.
- 03Usman Khawaja criticizes the policy as discriminatory, particularly against Muslims.
- 04The Coalition plans to enforce Australian values in immigration laws.
- 05New measures include a 'safe country list' and longer wait times for noncitizens accessing social security.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Labor has strongly criticized the Coalition's immigration policy unveiled by Angus Taylor, which aims to prioritize immigration from liberal democracies. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke challenged the Coalition to provide specific examples of individuals who cannot currently be deported under existing laws, questioning the rationale behind the proposed changes. Burke argued that the policy could alienate voters in multicultural communities, especially those with significant Chinese Australian populations. Cricket player Usman Khawaja took to social media to label the policy as 'appalling,' accusing it of discrimination against Muslims and urging Taylor to be clear about its implications. The Coalition's plan includes adding an Australian values statement to the Migration Act, enabling the government to cancel visas for those not adhering to these values. Additionally, a new 'safe country list' would expedite refusals for asylum claims from countries deemed safe. Taylor emphasized the need for migrants to respect Australia's parliamentary democracy and rule of law, proposing that permanent residents be required to learn English. The policy has drawn mixed reactions, with some agreeing on the necessity of English proficiency while others criticize its departure from Australia's non-discriminatory immigration principles.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The proposed changes could significantly affect the immigration landscape in Australia, potentially leading to stricter visa regulations and longer wait times for social security for noncitizens.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you support the Coalition's proposed changes to immigration policy?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.




