A look at the development of the U.K. asylum policy from its inception in 1970's to the most recent amendments in 2002, highlighting the most significant impacts on asylumseekers today.
Abstract This paper attempts to identify the shortfalls of the 2002 Act and its inability to revolutionise the asylum system in the U.K. In particular, it focuses on the adverse impact it will have on current and future asylumseekers in respect of their entitlements to welfare support and benefits. It provides a full background of the development of U.K asylum law in order to identify the route it has taken to reach its current position and investigates the reasons why the government is demonstrating a more restrictive approach to asylum policy. It then concentrates on the failings of the previous asylum policies discussed and examines why there was a significant need for reform. It critically analyses the government's proposals for reform, identified in the White Paper "Fairer, Faster, Firmer" in 1999 and also introduces a summary of the changes implemented by the subsequent Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. The next part identies the failings of the 1999 Act, in particular highlighting the controversial issues surrounding refugees entitlements to receive support and thenl introduces the proposed changes to the 1999 asylum system and present the revolutionary reforms for 2002, allowing particular consideration to the changes to the support system and the controversial issues surrounding the accommodation centre proposals.
Outline
The Background and Development of U.K .Asylum Policy
The Reform of U.K. Asylum Policy
The Failings of the 1999 Asylum System
The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002
Poverty in the Asylum Support System
Accommodation Centres
Conclusion
From the Paper "The legislation was constructed purely from a political perspective, which provided only for interim measures such as initial arrival and detention of the asylum seeker, the appeals process, and procedures which were to follow once the asylum application had failed. Both the 1993 and 1996 Asylum Acts failed to take into account any welfare entitlements which should be made accessible to the asylum seeker, and failed to take into consideration the likelihood that the asylum seeker would be likely to remain in the UK for several months whilst his application was processed and would therefore require a significant level of social assistance. In effect the UK asylum policy did little to help the asylum seekers in need of support and protection and has endured extreme criticism. The law of asylum should function so as to ensure the fair, efficient, and effective assessment of asylum claims, instead of following a purely exclusionary regulatory strategy based on a deterrence and punishment model of asylum policy."
Abstract The paper describes how Australia relies heavily on immigration and tourism to achieve population and economic growth. The paper discusses, however, how the number of unauthorized asylumseekers increased to the point that the country felt that it could not control society anymore. The paper examines whether there truly is a need to control asylumseekers and concludes that the Australian government is currently having an exaggerated moral panic. The paper disagrees with the government's use of the issue of deviance or social norms because this has only triggered racial discrimination and labeling among the white Australians.
Outline:
Introduction
Immigration and/or AsylumSeekers in Australia
The Reaction of the People
Conclusion
From the Paper "Australia is also one of the signatories the Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol, which prove that Australia welcomes and has properly resettlement areas for asylum seekers. Since these agreements were signed, "Australia has resettled large numbers of refugees and other persons of humanitarian concern from overseas camps". However, unlike other countries such as the US, Australia's record of asylum refugees was not that large thereby enabling the Australian government to have a direct and tight control over all aspect of immigration programs - such as social policies - concerning the asylum seekers (Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, 1967)."
A look at the similarities and differences in the experiences of refugees and indigenous Australians according to Australian literature and recent media attention.
Abstract A look at race relations in Australia in view of changing culture and how this is reflected in treatment of refugees, asylumseekers and indigenous Australians. Takes a look into the issues of land rights, the stolen generation, asylumseekers vs. 'genuine' refugees and detention centres.
From the Paper "Issues surrounding refugees and Indigenous Australians have featured prominently in the media over the last few years, covering areas such as the growing ethnic diversity of Australia, asylum seekers and their right to settle, the treatment of detainees, the stolen generation, mandatory detention, land rights for Aboriginals and Indigenous health. Whilst it has to be said that this has greatly increased the general public's awareness of these issues, it is becoming increasingly apparent that everyday Australians seem willing to place their opinions on the rights and experiences of these two minority groups ? refugees and Indigenous Australians ? into the "too hard" basket. Also, not knowing much about these two groups and their experiences means that most Australians form their perception of them from stories in the media and what they see on TV and in movies. Could this be contributing to the negative stereotypes and racist sentiment within our society ? all too willing to refer to the stereotypes of ungrateful detainees burning down their quarters or the drunken Aboriginals in the middle of Victoria Square?"
Abstract This paper takes a look into the true definition of a refugee and the Australian government's stance on 'boat people' - also referred to as asylumseekers - and their policy on unauthorised arrivals. Mention is made of the condition of Australia's detention centres, and some of the conundrums faced when determining the fate of illegal immigrants. Is it fair to give a place reserved for a genuine refugee to those who do not come via established means? Additionally, the paper looks at the everyday Australian's view on multiculturalism with reference to imagined communities and the old White Australia Policy. Clearly the influx of refugees has changed the way Australians view themselvs as a nation and led many people to re-examine Australia's cultural and social makeup.
From the Paper "As Australians, we have all been touched by the recent refugee crisis in some way or another, with an increased influx of asylum seekers coming to our shores over the last few years. Indeed it is a human tragedy that people can be so desperate to flee their homeland that they are willing to travel thousands of kilometres across land and sea, eventually culminating in a "passage of terror" on an unsafe boat that more than likely would be carrying three to four times the normal number of passengers. The arrival of these "boat people" has caused of a division within our society ? those who are accommodating to the fact that these people have fled their county and should be allowed to stay, and those who believe that an influx of so called "illegal" refugees will lead to a perceived loss of national identity ? who want them to be sent back where they came from if no sufficient enough reason is forthcoming. The plight of international refugees is a cause for global concern, however understanding the key issues can be difficult for those with little background knowledge."
A discussion of the similarities between asylum and extradition and how they interrelate, with a comparison of the Asylum Case,"Columbia v. Peru" (1950), with the case of "United States of America v. Cotroni"; "United States v. El Zein" (1989).
Abstract This research paper studies the evolution of two supreme rights of international law; the right of political asylum and the right of extradition. The writer seeks to explain the relationship between the two rights, and how and why the two practices often interrelate. A comparison is made of the two rights, detailing their similarities as well as their differences. In order to compare the practice of asylum and the practice of extradition, the writer examines the Asylum Case between Colombia and Peru ("Columbia v. Peru") (1950), and the "United States of America vs. Cotroni"; "United States of America vs. El Zein" (1989) case.
From the Paper "Extradition is the formal surrender of a person by one state to the authorities of another for the purpose of criminal prosecution. It is a form of legal assistance between states, granted on the basis of a bilateral or multilateral treaty, or by ad hoc agreement. Asylum means offering sanctuary to those at risk and in danger, in compliance with States' obligations under international refugee law, human rights law and customary international law. It is important to stress that extradition and asylum are not mutually exclusive. The institution of asylum was never intended to shield fugitives from legitimate criminal prosecution. The two rights may not be mutually exclusive, but they do often come into relation."
Abstract This paper explains that the European Union's common asylum policy has developed over time and has been influenced by a number of political and economic factors. The author points out that the
EU's position has evolved in response to asylum issues and other emerging concerns such as arms control and human rights violations. The paper relates that thirteen years ago, common European agreement was reached through the Maastricht Treaty, which designated asylum policy as a matter of shared interest to European Union members.
From the Paper "The European Union's common asylum policy has developed over time and has been influenced by a number of political and economic factors. As this development has unfolded, Luxembourg's own position has evolved in response to asylum issues and other emerging concerns such as arms control and human rights violations. Essentially, "as political and economic co-operation has developed between the member states of the EU, the necessity of a common approach to issues such as immigration, border controls and asylum policy has become apparent." (ECRE) Thirteen years ago, common European agreement was reached through the Maastricht Treaty, which designated asylum policy as a matter of shared interest to European Union members. "
Abstract This book report describes the various explanations for Christian love that arise within the book, "The Seeker's Guide to Building a Christian Marriage: 11 Essential Skills", by Kathy Finley. In this regard, the emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects of love are identified within this book, which Finley is clear about in her explanations of Christian morality. This book report discusses the nature of love, and how it fits in with the Christian moral doctrines that are defined within the religious opinions of Kathy Finley.
Looks at the history surrounding Canada's involvement in the Vietnam War, including its direct and indirect commitments, and its influence of present day global involvement.
Abstract This paper explains that, while Ottawa did not send soldiers to Vietnam, Canada, a member of NATO, provided defense products to the United States, including aircraft parts, bombs, ammunition and defoliant. The author points out that, as Canadian popular sentiment against the war grew, politicians realized that simply distancing themselves from the problem would no longer suffice thus leading to Canada's public condemnation of American actions and Canada's allowing asylumseekers into the country. The paper stresses that, although it does participate in peacekeeping missions, Canada has forfeited extensive military capability in favor of social services; thus, Canada does not have the ability or popular support to intervene in global conflicts on the scale of the United States.
Table of Contents:
Historical Perspective
Canada in the Milieu
At Home and Abroad
Canada and Agent Orange
Canadian AsylumSeekers A Canadian Change of Heart
Parallels between Vietnam and Current World Issues
From the Paper "Canada was a member of the United Nations element responsible for oversight of the Geneva Accords. This position necessitated Canada's neutrality. When the United States reported on infiltration of spies and terrorists from the North into the South, the Canadian delegation to the United Nations wrote a report to the Co-Chairman of the Geneva Convention Conference on the Indo-China (ICC) meant to support the U.S. allegations of aggressive tactics by North Vietnam. This support is viewed with a jaundiced eye by historians."
Tags: clandestine, geneva accords, emigration peacekeeping, coalition building
A look at the achievements made by the E.U.towards a European refugee policy through a review of Joanne Van Selm's "European Refugee Policy: is There Such a Thing?".
Abstract This paper analyses Joanne Van Selm's working paper "European Refugee Policy: is There Such a Thing?". It discusses how "illegal immigrant", "asylumseeker", "refugee", "economic refugee" are all phrases that tend to create confusion in the minds of E.U. citizens. It looks at how the 25 Member-States barely have a common immigration policy, though they do have a few guidelines for a harmonisation of asylum policy. It is in this context, that the question of the existence of a European Refugee policy is discussed.
Outline:
Introduction
What Has Been Achieved in the EU so Far (From the Schengen Agreement to Now) Does Not Always Take the Right Direction Towards A Common Refugee Policy.
Implementing Agreements on Immigration, Asylum and Refugees in the EU: A Common Approach or 25 Approaches?
The Lack of Political Will of Fortress Europe Does Not Help Shaping a Common Refugee Policy
Conclusion
From the Paper "The very way refugee issues are dealt with within the EU is counterproductive, in terms of defence of human rights. VAN SELM explains that "there are [...] more national civil servants [than EU civil servants] dealing with asylum and refugee policy. They are all within the most sovereign control-oriented ministries too (Justice and Home Affairs) [...] Since where you stand is influenced by where you sit, it seems natural that these policy makers would be more likely to guard national interest and defend national policy than to consider the situations in countries and regions around the world, and the most appropriate policy Europe as a whole could pursue in the interest of maintaining stability by guaranteeing protection to refugees." Part of this safeguarding of the national interest would also be the lack of funds granted to refugee issues. If it is true that some EU Member States do "use part of their own overseas development aid to assist refugees in emergency and protracted situations around the world" (p.18), VAN SELM notes that "this is rarely done in a systemic way." Countries like Malta spent their ODA on detained asylum seekers, hence having anything but a refugee policy."
Abstract An essay which analyzes the ineffectiveness of Australia's 'megaphone diplomacy' under John Howard in dealing with the refugees and asylumseekers issue particularly with its largest neighbor, Indonesia. It also suggests a more appropriate formula for Australia to establish better relationships with Indonesia after the East Timor crises.
From the Paper "In analysing the effect of "megaphone diplomacy" to Australia-Indonesia relations and to Australian engagement with the region, Kevin's statement that "a country's foreign policy succeeds if its political leaders have a clear understanding of their country's national interests and place in the world, so that they may set appropriate foreign policy goals; and if its diplomats are trained and resourced to carry out their specialist tasks of analysis and representation" could be used as the consideration. Based on his experience while serving as Australian diplomat in many Asian countries, Kevin also states that in most of the Asian regions, economic rationalism is not the dominant value system. There remains a large place for courtesy, for accommodating differences, for breaking bread together, for helping the needy, for recognising abiding values of family and friendship."
Examines the relationship in a global context, legal, ethical and religious issues, politics, anti-immigrant bias and abuse, the situation in the U.S., examples, refugees and asylum-seekers.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 9 sources, 1999, $ 79.95
Abstract Immigration has been on the American national agenda for some time, with many complaining that immigration is out of hand and that limitations on immigration are needed. One issue is whether too many people are coming from certain regions of the world, or whether those who are coming are sufficiently prepared to take their place in the American economic system.
From the Paper "INTRODUCTION
Immigration has been on the American national agenda for some time, with many complaining that immigration is out of hand and that limitations on immigration are needed. One issue is whether too many people are coming from certain regions of the world, or whether those who are coming are sufficiently prepared to take their place in the American economic system. Internationally, the immigration picture is even more difficult, with many immigrants moving from one place to another to escape war, persecution, and economic devastation. Immigration is usually treated as a political issue, certainly a domestic political issue for the country receiving large numbers of refugees or immigrants, but also as an international political issue because it affects how contiguous countries behave toward one another. Immigration ..."
Abstract This paper discusses the Quran's position on asylumseekers, what Islamic Law, the Quran, and the Iranian Constitution state about freedom of press, human rights, and women's rights, and how the country of Iran has interpreted these laws to fit their constitution and mandates.
Abstract This paper looks at the ideas of John Locke and how they can be equated to the modern Human Rights Acts and the English Government; moreover the paper also looks at the modern problems faced with governments and asylumseekers from foreign countries.
Abstract This paper explains how Canadian immigration policy does not address matters of gender, for immigrants still tend to be looked at in generic ways. At different points, it is stressed too that studies of immigrant and refugee conditions have sometimes tended to lump refugee women into categories that have already been in place that have more to do with a general concern for inequality at large, racism and sexism. Resettlement in Canada can be a challenging and troubling experience for women and it is stressed that women need not be asylum-seekers in order to find immigration to Canada a project that exceeds what they have expected.
Abstract This paper uses the incident of the boat containing asylumseekers that sank off the shore of Australia to discuss the issue of public trust in government. It looks at the role John Howard's administration had in misleading the people of Australia about the disaster and how the Australian people responded.
From the Paper "One of the most disillusioning things that can happen to a citizen of a democracy is to discover that one's own government ? the legal and political extension of oneself ? has lied to one. This is far more damaging both to an individual's belief in his or her government and in the end to that government itself than is a citizen's disagreement with that government. This does not, of course, only happen in Australia. Many Americans (to look across the Pacific) believed that their government should not go to war with Iraq, but even as they disagreed with their government's actions approval for American President Bush remained high. However, after it was discovered that the Bush administration lied to the American people about its claims for the necessity of going to war and going to war quickly, more and more Americans have begun to have an unfavorable opinion of their government ? and rightly so. If there is a single obligation that a democratic government has to its people it is to tell them the truth. The Australian government has itself recently failed to do this and as a result deserves to lose the confidence of the people that it claims to represent."
