Refugees and Immigration: an Issue for the Elections?

By Joy

Key Points:

            Framing the debate: why our definitions matter

            The difference between an immigrant and a refugee

            The discussion in context

It appears that immigration, once again, will be one of the key issues these elections. As a small island state, New Zealand is understandably concerned with border security and regulating the incoming of foreigners. While a healthy discussion around immigration is desirable, it is important that such discussion is undertaken in an informed manner. The focus of this piece will be on a specific facet of this conversation: the difference between immigrants and refugees.

Immigrants are individuals who make the choice to come and stay in New Zealand. Their motivations for choosing New Zealand vary; maybe they have family here, or are seeking better job opportunities. The acceptance of immigrants is strictly regulated and their qualification as a New Zealand citizen is (amongst other things) determined by considering their family ties to New Zealand, and the particular skills and assets they would bring into the country. Immigration has benefits for New Zealand as it allows us to source skills and finance that may be lacking within our country. Discussions about the restrictions we place on immigration are part of a continuing conversation that will adapt to New Zealand’s changing needs over time. Immigration is, and will continue to be, an important issue in every election. 

However, even if we decide to place stricter restrictions on immigrants, this policy would not impact refugees. Refugees are different; they are individuals who are fleeing their country of origin due to a “well-founded fear of persecution” [1]. In other words they have a legitimate ground for believing that they will (a) be a victim of serious harm (such as death, torture, rape, assault etc) and (b) not receive any state protection against such harm. Furthermore, the reasons for their persecution are constrained by the convention; namely race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership of a particular social group. In addition to this very narrow definition the Refugee Convention, which governs the international refugee regime, allows us to turn away people who have committed a serious crime or who may constitute a danger to our public security. This notwithstanding, when we talk about refugees it is important to understand that they are some of the most marginalised people in our world; to turn our backs on them is inhumane.

As we enter another election year it is important that we remain informed about the issues around us. Discussing the policy that New Zealand should have towards accepting foreigners into our country is no different. While there are a number of complicated issues within immigration, it is clear that refugees and immigrants seek to live in New Zealand for different reasons. Immigrants choose to move here, whereas refugees simply seek a home where they can be safe from harm.

[1] Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, adopted on 28 July 1951, entered into force on 22 April 1954 at Art. 1A.