Story perspectives

Australia's Refugee Council Slams Controversial Migration Ban Plan

2/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Refugee Council of Australia condemned leaked Liberal plan to ban migrants from 37 regions in 13 countries, calling it an idea reminiscent of U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies.
Opposition leader Angus Taylor said he had not seen the plan and deemed it invalid.
In a separate report, Australia’s race discrimination commissioner cited systemic racism in universities, noting 70% experienced indirect racism, with higher rates among Palestinian and Jewish individuals.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration Act of 1924, also known as the Johnson-Reed Act, established strict quotas that severely limited immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe and banned Asian immigrants, reflecting nativist sentiments. This act, praised by figures like Adolf Hitler for its exclusionary policies, laid the groundwork for systemic racism in U.S. immigration, a concern echoed today in proposals like those from the Refugee Council of Australia.

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Story summary

The Refugee Council of Australia condemned leaked Liberal plan to ban migrants from 37 regions in 13 countries, calling it an idea reminiscent of U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies.
Opposition leader Angus Taylor said he had not seen the plan and deemed it invalid.
In a separate report, Australia’s race discrimination commissioner cited systemic racism in universities, noting 70% experienced indirect racism, with higher rates among Palestinian and Jewish individuals.

1 / 2