Australia is talking about migration – but what do people at the centre of the debate have to say?
News Source
•Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:00:37 GMT
📰 What Happened
Shamsullah Sadey, 19, fled Afghanistan and arrived in Australia in 2024. He is in year 12 and hopes to become a neurosurgeon. He says the recent migration debate has made him feel unwelcome for the first time.
Many migrants, refugees and asylum seekers told Guardian Australia they feel the same. They fear being seen as a problem instead of people who add to Australia. The worry comes as the big parties compete on cutting migration numbers.
The government plans to cut net overseas migration to 245,000 this financial year. It aims for 225,000 in 2027-28.
🔍 The Backstory
Net overseas migration is the number of people who arrive minus those who leave. It has become a major political issue in Australia. One Nation promised deep cuts, and the major parties have answered with tighter rules.
Migrant groups say the debate often ignores the people behind the numbers. Many new arrivals work, study and pay taxes. They say harsh talk can make them feel unsafe and unwanted.
🎯 Why It Matters
Migration affects jobs, housing and the kind of country Australia becomes. How leaders talk about it shapes how ordinary migrants are treated every day.
Shamsullah Sadey, 19, fled Afghanistan and arrived in Australia in 2024. He is in year 12 and hopes to become a neurosurgeon. He says the recent migration debate has made him feel unwelcome for the first time.
Many migrants, refugees and asylum seekers told Guardian Australia they feel the same. They fear being seen as a problem instead of people who add to Australia. The worry comes as the big parties compete on cutting migration numbers.
The government plans to cut net overseas migration to 245,000 this financial year. It aims for 225,000 in 2027-28.
Net overseas migration is the number of people who arrive minus those who leave. It has become a major political issue in Australia. One Nation promised deep cuts, and the major parties have answered with tighter rules.
Migrant groups say the debate often ignores the people behind the numbers. Many new arrivals work, study and pay taxes. They say harsh talk can make them feel unsafe and unwanted.
Migration affects jobs, housing and the kind of country Australia becomes. How leaders talk about it shapes how ordinary migrants are treated every day.