As the migration debate intensifies in Australia, many immigrants are expressing concern about becoming political pawns. They feel caught in the crossfire as major political parties and other groups debate migration numbers, leading to anxiety about their place in their adopted country. This sentiment is shared by individuals who have navigated complex immigration processes and are now seeking stability and acceptance.
Migrants Share Experiences of Uncertainty
Barbara Dervodel, who migrated from Slovenia with her husband Jure a decade ago, described the process as challenging but ultimately rewarding. Settling in Mandurah, Western Australia, the couple successfully obtained permanent residency after five years. “We are proud Australians now,” Ms. Dervodel stated, reflecting the positive outcome of their journey. However, her current happiness is tempered by an unsettling feeling, a sentiment echoed by numerous migrants who contacted a public engagement project. They fear being used as political talking points in a debate that often overlooks their personal experiences and contributions.
Annaliese Claydon, who became an Australian citizen this year after a 14-year journey from the United States, expressed a strong desire to see her adopted country avoid the divisive political rhetoric she witnessed in her birth country. “I am an American by birth and an Australian by choice,” she said, highlighting her commitment to Australia. Ms. Claydon believes that greater public understanding of the difficulties involved in obtaining visas, the separation from family, and the fear of jeopardizing visa status when seeking help could shift public opinion. She noted that the process was so arduous that she struggled with postpartum depression without seeking support, fearing it would impact her residency.
Expert Analysis: Misinformation and Misguided Focus
Alan Gamlen, director of the Australian National University’s Migration Hub, asserts that much of the current migration discourse is fueled by misinformation and myths. He specifically refutes claims that Australia’s housing crisis is solely due to high migration levels or that migrants are taking jobs or relying excessively on welfare. Professor Gamlen argues that the focus on “net overseas migration” (NOM) – a figure representing arrivals minus departures – is a flawed metric.
“Political parties are kind of plucking net migration target numbers out of the air without any clear rationale for why their number is better than the other guys,” Professor Gamlen observed. He contends that this fixation on NOM leads to the erroneous conclusion that all migration is problematic. Instead, he points to the significant growth in temporary migration – encompassing students, working holidaymakers, and temporary skilled workers – as a more critical area for policy consideration. This sector has reportedly tripled in size since deregulation in the early 2000s, with individuals often moving between various visa types, making their long-term presence uncertain.
Data from the Department of Home Affairs indicates a rise in the number of individuals on temporary visas, from 1.75 million in 2012 to nearly 2.9 million by July of the current year. Professor Gamlen suggests that a more effective approach would involve a “coherent national population policy” that regulates the temporary migration program while aligning with economic needs and community values. Such a policy, he believes, could help offset demographic challenges like an aging population without eroding social cohesion.
Regional Development and Migration Planning
Liz Ritchie, CEO of the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), emphasizes the importance of strategic planning for sustainable population growth, particularly in regional areas. New research from the RAI indicates that migration accounted for 46.2% of regional population growth in 2025, with the 25-44 age group being the largest cohort. This influx brings much-needed workers and families to these communities.
However, settling in regional Australia presents its own set of challenges. Faris Al-Hilli, a medical laboratory technician from Iraq, moved to Murray Bridge, South Australia, with his family in 2022 on a skilled migrant visa. This visa required him to live in a regional area for at least two years. Despite his qualifications, Mr. Al-Hilli struggled to find work in his field due to a lack of local experience, taking jobs in a mushroom factory and as a hydrotherapy pool attendant before securing a laboratory manager position at a local school in 2024. He expressed surprise that his recognized skills did not immediately translate into relevant employment, calling it a “contradiction.” The family also faced difficulties securing rental accommodation without a prior rental history in Australia.
Ms. Ritchie advocates for a national regional population settlement strategy, arguing that directing more migrants to regional areas could address workforce shortages, bolster local economies, and support sustainable population growth. “If Australia is serious about getting the full benefits of migration, we need a much more deliberate conversation about where new migrants can contribute most, and where communities have the capacity and opportunity to welcome them,” she stated. The RAI’s report suggests that a greater share of migration directed to regional Australia, coupled with government planning, could yield significant benefits.
Conclusion: Towards a More Informed Migration Debate
The experiences of migrants like Ms. Dervodel, Ms. Claydon, and Mr. Al-Hilli, alongside the insights from experts like Professor Gamlen and advocates like Ms. Ritchie, highlight a critical need for a more nuanced and evidence-based migration debate in Australia. Concerns about political manipulation, the complexities of visa processes, and the challenges of integration in both urban and regional settings underscore the human element often lost in discussions about numbers. A shift towards informed policy, strategic regional settlement, and a deeper public understanding of the migration journey could foster a more inclusive and beneficial outcome for both new arrivals and the broader Australian community.
