Immigration is a matter of give and take

Over thie past few days the immigration debate in Australia has taken an ugly turn for the worst, we have seen people flown across Australia like they were cargo, and not what they really are vulnerable individuals. Sure  it is important to recognise some are not legitimate asylum seekers, the vast majority are fleeing from places such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Indonesia and India. They leave and jump on a rickety boat because they fear for their lives, they will be persecuted and probably killed if they return. I think it is time that we take responsibility for the arrival of people on our shores and embrace these individuals.

Despite this what must be said is that it is important for new Australians to embrace the Australian way of life, and learning English is a vital part of such a progression. Sure, it may be many years before individuals such as these truely consider themselves ‘Australian’ but an attempt to learn the language must be made and to integrate into the community. It is simply not sustainable for asylum seekers and other immigrants to simply create mini-countries within the Australian community and turn their backs on the rest of the country.

Multiculturalism is what makes Australia great, you have the many options of exploring different cultures without even leaving the country. Go down to Lygon Street in Melbourne and you will see first hand a vibrant Italian community with many restaurants and bars. People are welcome here. However, upon my first visit to the Box Hill market in suburban eastern Melbourne and it is really  whole different kettle of fish. You simply do not feel welcome, people are very rude and you want to get in and out quicker than a sex-shop.  I think this element of any ethnic communities has to change. It is important for both Australian whom have lived in the country for generations and those who have just arrived to be open to new things,such as trying new foods, speaking bit of other languages, wearing traditional attire and even having a dance or two to a foreign song.  It is not fair for ‘Australians’ to say to new comers “like it or leave” nor is it appropriate for new comers to create ethnic niches and ignore the rest of the country. It is up to all of us to embrace a multi-cultural Australia and continue what has lead to the successful country we all know and love.