AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATON HISTORY

Why are People Being Encouraged to Immigrate in Australia?

One of the leading reasons for boosting immigration is survival, especially after a war. For example, during World War II there was a threat of Japanese invasion. After Pearl Harbor, it seemed to Australians that they would be Japan’s next port of call. At the time, Australian Prime Minister John Curtin understood that Australia did not have the military strength or manpower to effectively defend Australia against Japan. Curtin looked to the United States of America for protection and manpower.

After the war, Australia’s economy was in poor shape. And because the country’s population was already strained from enlistment and casualties of the war, it was time to populate or perish. By 1944, members of the Australian government established a plan that was intended to support and populate Australia. In fact, Arthur Caldwell (Head of the Department of Information) devised policies for increasing the population of Australia. The first policy supported natural growth. It was believed that by encouraging stability and peace, birth rates would increase. However, the increase in population was not dramatic enough. It was then that the solution to the issue was apparent – an immediate boost in population was needed.

Western Europeans

After World War II, there were millions of people displaced who had lost their homes and all their belongings. This was when a large number of refugees left Europe and immigrated to other countries such as Canada, New Zealand and Australia. By 1944, the Australian government negotiated with Britain for help in establishing an immigration plan. There was also the White Australia policy that supported the relocation of Europeans over non-Europeans. In truth, the Australian government favored north-western Europeans over the Eastern Europeans for immigration to Australia during that period.

First Post War Immigrants

People who immigrated to Australia where on an assisted program or they were unassisted. The program was administered by the Australian and British governments. It was in September 1947 that the first migrants arrived from Poland and Britain. Most were selected because of their industry and trade skills. Other selections included children and Polish ex-servicemen. In 1948 and 1952 there were many displaced people that immigrated to Australia. The mainstream of those migrants were from Germany, Yugoslavia, Italy and the Netherlands.

Displaced Persons

Displaced persons from Europe arrived in 1948 and 1952. The majority of immigrants had come from Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and the former Yugoslavia. At the time, Caldwell oversaw the immigration process. Caldwell organized financial arrangements such as food and transportation for the travelers. As well, a welcome committee greeted the immigrants with a reception, numerous accommodations and future employment. The accommodations included workers’ hostels, holding centres and transit camps.

Today’s Immigrants

Today, immigrants are greeted and accommodated just as highly as in 1948 and 1952. In addition, the economy is thriving and there is a high demand for skilled workers. As well, the country is renowned for having one of the world’s best immigration systems and for serving Australia’s needs. Aside from Australia’s thriving economy, there are other benefits to living in Australia:-

• English speaking.
• Good free healthcare.
• A land rich in resources.
• A warmer climate than in Europe.

Currently Australia operates a totally nondiscriminatory system of immigration that has resulted in both China and India providing the most immigrants to Australia from Asia in recent years. Of course the United Kingdom also provides the most immigrants to Australia from Europe. If you are contemplating immigrating to Australia it is recommended that you seek the professional services of James Tan Immigration Lawyer to assist you in your dream to immigrate to Australia.