Australia has more visa violations from America & the UK than anywhere else. How should we deal with them?

Question

According to the news service SBS: "New figures show that British and American people make up the bulk of Australia's illegal immigrants, despite headlines and fluster about Middle Eastern boat people.

There were more than 10,000 illegal British and American immigrants in Australia on June 30 2004, about a fifth of all people who overstayed their visas and remained in the country unlawfully.

Another 3,900 Chinese illegal immigrants remained in Australia last year, along with 3,000 Indonesians and 2,800 South Koreans.

Afghans do not rate a mention, while there were less than 200 illegal Iranians in Australia in June. "

http://www.worldnewsaustralia.com.au/region.php?id=103514®ion=7

I'm curious about how all the "seal the borders" UK & American posters in particular think we Australians should deal with these lawbreakers.

@Diane the post refers to those who illegally overstay, not to those who obtain legitimate visas..

To those comparing the number of Australian immigrants to the US, do bear in mind that Australia has a population of only 20 million, not 300 million as you have in the states. Also, as we are an Island nation, people must enter by Plane or by Ship.

Answer 1

I wonder why they aren't locked up in our detention centres like the rest of our illegal immigrants and what Pauline Hanson has say about that.
Hang on maybe little Johnny can use it as a new election ploy because at the moment he needs all the help he can get to get re-elected

Answer 2

The thing is Iranians, Afghanis and such like to pay people off to smuggle them into the country (boat people).

Chinese will use fake passports and quite a few Asians will also try to smuggle themselves into the country via boat.

Boat people are more likely to get caught out. But are less likely to be detected once inside the country (unless they wander around the docks in 3 piece suits). British and Americans who overstay can get caught out if they list a place of residence.

British and American citizens will come to Australia legally but will conveniently overstay their visa.

I didn't know there was such a thing as an illegal New Zealander in Australia. There used to be a time when New Zealanders were able to come over to Australia and after 6 months they were Australian (no need to naturalize for them). Goodness I feel old saying that. But New Zealanders and Australians have always enjoyed being able to go over to each other's countries without worrying too much.

Any illegal immigant should spend some time in Villawood (deportation centre) while DIAC slowly processes their paperwork to get them deported.

Answer 3

Kick them out. Deport them. That's what Americans should be doing to illegals. That's what Australians should do too. I'm no hypocrite.

Of course, 10,000 illegal aliens versus 20-40 million illegal aliens are really apples and oranges, don't you think? Australia's problem is like a flea bite while America's problem is like losing both legs to an alligator.

In America, also, when we USUALLY refer to "sealing our borders" we're referring to the massive influx of people who illegally come in without visas by just walking over our borders. Illegal visa overstays are another story entirely. They are a problem, but not nearly as dire as the million plus people who just stroll across and stay every year.

Answer 4

Not everyone who passes the boarders of Australia is an illegal from the US. I for one have jumped through 3 years of hoops and paid thousands of dollars to be able to obtain my temporary spousal visa. I still have a ways to go to obtain my permanent spousal visa. I have done it by the books and legally without bribes or any other considerations.

I am a constructive member of society doing volunteer work, and joining clubs and organizations where I am a board member of three. I am educated and responsible.

Since arriving I have been invited to Government House, Parliament House and know many ambassadors, consulates etc. I count our Lord Mayor and several Alderman amongst my friends.I take part in community activities and was in a wreath laying ceremonies for ANZAC Day, as well as the ceremonies for the Battle of Britain Services. I proudly carried a flag to honor my country in the Blessing of the Fleet ceremonies.I have been intereviewed on TV during the Coral Sea ceremonies as an American because I know and understand the involvement of the US and Australia from the beginning in the early 1900s with the visit of the Great White Fleet in 1907 to current day politics.

I proudly stand next to my husband and in-laws and sing Advance Australia Fair, but also find pride in flying my American Flag next to the Australian one.

So I ask you now......How many Australian live as I do --- how many Australians perform volunteer work, take part in community activities and know the history of their country and the relationship it has with other countries. Do not stereotype Americans in an way shape or form as we are as different as each of you Australians. .

I certainly hope Americans would not speak this way about the Aussies and cry send them home. Shame on you Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi

Answer 5

Clearly they should be deported. Just because I'm an American, it doesn't mean I would support other Americans violating your immigration laws. It's just as wrong as the illegals we deal with here.

Answer 6

Really? That's amazing. By all means deport those illegally there. I'm in favor of visa waiver for tourists between our countries, but noone who follows the rules would think you should let people break yours.

Answer 7

2,000 illegal English and Americans. Lol, we have 12 million illegal immigrants (Conservative figure). It's your country, do what ever you want with them. It's none of our business what you do with the people who break your laws. I think we have more illegal Australians than you have illegal English and AMerican combine. I know we have around that many illegal New Zealanders.

Answer 8

You can do whatever you want with them. As an American, I wouldn't object. I'm not sure why you seem to think I would. I don't think I've ever heard an American objecting to other countries enforcing their immigration laws.

Answer 9

Aussies do very well at that. Put them in detention camps and then deport them. They deserve a little prison time. We could take a lesson.

What? did you think we would whine that it was unfair? Don't do the crime if you cannot do the time.

Answer 10

As an American, I say deport them. They know the laws.