19 March 1998
As the Federal Government proposes to restructure immigration, specifically the family reunion program, a report has been released outlining how migration creates jobs.
The report, Australian and Immigration: a Partnership, was co-authored by Professor Stephen Castles, head of the Migration and Multicultural Studies program, at the University of Wollongong.
It will be released later this year as a book (Allen and Unwin).
Earlier studies from the University have shown the family reunion program is critical to successful integration and the immigration program as a whole.
The University's latest report shows immigration creates job opportunities, for the non-migrant population.
It shows a slight but significant net gain in employment opportunities, even during times of high and rising unemployment.
Migrants not only fill jobs, but create them via spending; they pay taxes as well as consume government services and they bring overseas funds and contribute to higher exports, as well as to imports.
Professor Castles says much community concern about immigration is based on myth and misinformation.
Earlier research at the University has shown that the family reunion program is critical to the success of the entire immigration program.
Professor Castles said a major reason for Australia's successful immigration program is that it has always treated immigrants as future citizens, with the same rights and obligations as other Australians.
"The right to live with one's family is one of the most fundamental rights," he said.
"Treating immigrants as temporary residents would make them and their families feel very insecure.
"Denial of social support and especially medical cover could cause very real hardship."
Dr Ellie Vasta leads the Sociology Program at the University of Wollongong.
She has carried out considerable research on immigrant families in Australia and says family reunion is often the key to successful settlement and good integration.
Dr Vasta says the Federal Government has developed a double standard towards immigrants, with regard to notions of the family.
"The government emphasises the importance of the family but denies that right to immigrants," she said.
"This double standard, rather than bringing about the social integration and cohesion that Australians want, is likely to lead to major social division in our society instead."
Professor Castles can be contacted today (Thursday) until 2pm on (02) 4284 0746 or later on (02) 4231 3779.
Dr Vasta can be contacted on (02) 4284 0746.