Migrant misinfo risks nation
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Australia must confront the rising tide of misinformation surrounding migration, experts say.
Scare-mongering and political point-scoring about migration poses a threat to democracy and social cohesion, according to Professor Alan Gamlen of The Australian National University (ANU).
He has called for the establishment of an independently operated National Migration Institute to address this pressing issue.
Professor Gamlen, a leading migration expert and Director of the ANU Migration Hub, says there is a deep connection between Australia's identity and migration.
But, despite this connection, public understanding of migration is currently “at an all-time low”, he says, distorted by pervasive myths, misinformation, and sensationalism.
One of the most damaging misconceptions, according to Professor Gamlen, is the persistent belief that “migration is a crime and security issue”.
He has slammed the placement of Australia's immigration functions within the national security apparatus, which equates the movement of people with terrorism and crime.
He argues that this approach is fundamentally flawed, as “migration is primarily an economic and social issue, not a security one”.
Professor Gamlen points out that more than half of Australia's population has roots abroad, with either themselves or their parents born overseas.
Migrants, particularly skilled ones, contribute significantly to the economy, paying more in taxes over their lifetimes than the average Australian resident. Their economic contributions are essential in funding the nation’s services and infrastructure.
To rectify the current state of affairs, Professor Gamlen proposes the creation of a National Migration Institute.
This institute would be dedicated to research, education, and the dissemination of reliable information on migration.
It would aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of migration's impact on Australia’s economy, society, and international relations.
Additionally, it would provide a system-wide perspective on migration, responding to the recent Multicultural Framework Review's call for enhanced capacity-building in the public service and more substantial public-sector engagement with research.
Migration is being made a pivotal issue at upcoming polls, particularly in the United States as it approaches its presidential election in November.
Professor Gamlen stressed that now, more than ever, migration debates must be informed by “facts and logic rather than fear and misinformation”.
He warns that the cyclical moral panic surrounding migration often leads to poor policy decisions and disrupts social harmony, which, if left unchecked, could lead to conflict.
He also emphasised the need for a major overhaul of Australia's current migration system, which requires better coordination among the various agencies responsible for different aspects of migration.
The ideas will be discussed at the ANU Migration Update on Monday 2 September.