Australian Bill Would Eliminate Refugee Settlement

A newly proposed bill in Australia would eliminate settlement privileges for certain refugees. The legislation was proposed by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, and would bar settlement for refugees who arrive in the country by boat—with those under the age of 18 exempt. “A generous humanitarian program, a harmonious multicultural society, depends on the Australian government being in control of its borders,” Turnbull said Sunday at a press conference. “And it depends on us sending a united and concerted answer to the people smugglers, that if they seek to bring people to Australia, those passengers will never settle in this country.” Amy Lamoin of UNICEF Australia said the proposal “squarely punishes refugees more than it creates a credible warning to people smugglers.”