It is time Australia follows President Obama

We have received numerous concerns regarding the harshness of some immigration policies implemented by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, brought to light particularly after President Obama made remarkable reforms on unlawful people in the US by approving and regularizing the status of approx. 5 million.

We call upon the government and Prime Minister Honorable Tony Abbott, a leader with compassion and values to remedy Australia’s tough policies. We see it as a matter of conscience that our responsible leaders implement policies that take into account compassionate and compelling circumstances in order to protect the basic human rights of Australians which are now violated.

The Middle East Times on two occasions invited Immigration Minister Morrison to comment on Australian immigration issues and on our third approach were told ‘I have no time’. Past Ministers including Phillip Ruddock, Kevin Andrews, Chris Evans and Chris Bowen participated in a number of interviews when we reached out, all for the benefit of Australian society, while regrettably Minister Morrison has not. One wonders how leaders could NOT make the time?

Urgent and vital immigration issues facing families in Australia is the delay in processing of applications including Carer Visa, Last Remaining Relative visa and Parent Visa applications. There are elderly Australians who require care on a 24 hour daily basis, including assistance with hygiene, dressing, food preparation, mobility, supervision and administering of medication and the long waiting period often results in death before visas are granted.

There is no doubt that assistance from welfare and community services in Australia is an option however isn’t reasonable that Australians who suffer complex medical conditions have the support of a family member?

Another issue of great concern voiced by Australian families is the Ministers lack of intervention and care in cases where there are substantial grounds.

Professionals and trades people, educated at universities or other educational institutes, in Australia or overseas are required to pass mandatory English tests.  Such requirement is a serious barrier which could be avoided.  Professionals are discriminated against, for example qualified Chefs who are unable to migrate to Australia because of their inability to pass English language tests.

It is embarrassing that the United Nations have raised serious concern about Australia’s detention system, branding them “cruel” and “inhumane”. The Australian government now needs to act with compassion and fairness and review policies to improve Australia’s form on all levels.

We suggest Minister Morrison take a hard look at President Obama’s move to keep families together and allow here in Australia family members who are well integrated and adjusted to have their status regularized and contribute to the economy of Australia legally.                                                                                             Editor in Chief