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Do Australians Know the Difference Between Migrants and Refugees?

We asked around Melbourne to find out.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

When the image of a drowned Syrian boy on a beach appeared last month, former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott described it as "a very sad, poignant image of children tragically dead at sea in illegal migration."

But Tony might have gotten his wires crossed. According to the definition designated by the 1951 United Nations Convention on Refugees, the child was a refugee. This is because refugees travel to escape danger, such as the civil war in Syria, whereas migrants move for more personal or economic reasons. The two labels get swapped all the time, but this probably says more about public lexicon than politics. Right, Tony?

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We were curious to see if the average person knows the difference, so we asked around Melbourne.

Jason, 39

What's the difference between a refugee and a migrant?
One's illegal and one's not, right?

Not really. A refugee is a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape. Whereas a migrant is a person who moves to another country to find work or better living conditions.
Look at that, you learn something new every day. But it's still it's a bloody joke if you ask me.

What's a joke?
The fact that these buggers can just come right in and take over. There's no Australia anymore. If I wanted to be a foreigner I'd go to a different country. Right now we are foreigners in our own country.

You don't feel any empathy for refugees fleeing war?
It's not as bad as the media makes it out to be. These guys are coming here because of the sunshine and the freedom. But it's not going to stay this way for long, we'll end up starving while these guys suck up benefits form the government.

You think refugees should stay in their own country despite the fact they may be killed?
They don't need to leave their country. Hell they can move to another town, another city. I just don't think they should come all the way here. At that point you're not seeking safety—you're looking for a better life, which is fine, but do it the right way.

If Australia fell into war tomorrow where would you go?
I'd stay and fight for my home.

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Rachel, 18

What's the difference between a refugee and a migrant?
Good question. I'm not sure I completely know.

Basically, a refugee is somebody who is fleeing unstable conditions at home. A migrant is choosing to move for personal or economic reasons.
Oh, right. I should know that because my grandma is a migrant.

Do you think immigrants pose a legitimate security risk?
On the whole, no. I think that's just society's view. It's the same with people all over the world. I mean, take the people living here already, some people are going to be criminals, some people aren't.

Are refugees cowards for not staying in their country to fight?
No! That's ridiculous. They have a right to flee. I mean, if Australia became war-torn I'd want to get away.

Where would you go and how would you get there?
I'd probably go to New Zealand because it's close and seems kind of similar. I'd take a plane but I don't think I'd be rich enough for that so probably a boat. Or a hot air balloon.

Regina, "over 50"

What's the difference between a refugee and a migrant?
A migrant is someone who chooses to come to another country and a refugee is somebody fleeing from a political situation.

Are refugees coming here to take jobs?
That's absolute nonsense. I think we need to accept people as they are and not be suspicious of them. Most refugees are honest citizens simply fleeing danger. My parents were refugees.

What's their story?
They came from the Baltic states in 1947. Before arriving here they were in camps for four years in Germany and Italy, and when they first came here they were treated appallingly. The racism that occurred to them was just unbelievable.

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Do you think that underlying tone of racism is still alive today?
I think Australia is a great country and we treat refugees brilliantly. Having said that, you'll always get that little bit of racism among small groups of people. People are just afraid of anyone different.

Lisa, 37, Steve, 41

What's the difference between a refugee and a migrant?
Lisa: Migrants have paid their way into the country, refugees have been given leeway.

Which one is more controversial?
Lisa: Refugees. We have enough problems in this country. Steve: Look, with refugees I don't mind. If they are completely under threat of being murdered or something, sure, I can understand that. Lisa: Sure the life they live is horrible, but at the same time the same goes here. There are so many children and so many families who are homeless on the street and they're not entitled to anything. I can't get council housing because refugees are given priority over citizens who have been here for generations—people who have built this country, who have payed taxes for generations.

Do you think refugees are to blame for your current situation?
Lisa: Not at all, it's the system that's fucked.

What do you think would happen if Australia decided to just throw open the borders tomorrow and let anybody in?
Lisa: They would all come. Simple as that, and Australians would no longer exist.

If you had to leave Australia where would you go?
Lisa: I'd jump on a rowboat to New Zealand. The scenery is gorgeous, and the people are laid back and beautiful.
Steve: I'd stay here and shoot people.

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Emma, 26.

What's the difference between a refugee and a migrant?
Refugees come from war torn countries but not just war torn places like Iraq or Syria but also from environmental devastation. Migrants come from places that are a bit more politically stable.

Which is the most controversial?
Refugees by far because I think there's the whole ideological apparatus that uses refugees as a political battering ram.

Do you think refugees are a legitimate security danger?
No, I think the real danger comes from right wing fascist organizations such as Reclaim Australia. I think these are actually the real threats to democracy, culture, and our quality of life.

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