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Acts of Cruelty: Australian Immigration Laws and Experiences of People Seeking Protection After Arriving by Plane
Acts of Australian Immigration Laws and Experiences of People Seeking Protection After Arriving by Plane documents the complex, drawn out and harsh legal procedures and historically racist immigration culture that can await people arriving by plane and subsequently seeking refugee status in Australia. This story has hitherto been under-represented because of the more notorious offshore detention policies of successive Australian governments for people arriving by boat. In this book, research by Dr Aileen Crowe, a Franciscan nun and refugee advocate, provides both detailed insight into the lived experiences of such would-be migrants and the tortuous maze of bureaucratic, often punitive immigration processes and laws which they must try to navigate at their peril. The author's support and advocacy role brings her close to individuals and families attempting to escape numerous forms of persecution in their own countries as they confront further trauma in seeking Australia's protection and their human rights. The book is an important and challenging document for potential migrants and asylum seekers, politicians, lawyers, students of international relations, and the general public internationally.
232 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2022
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June 25, 2023
Acts of Cruelty by Aileen Crowe takes readers on a poignant and challenging journey, shedding light on the arduous struggles faced by individuals seeking humanitarian protection in Australia. The book deviates from the widely discussed experiences of asylum seekers arriving by boat and instead focuses on those who come through "legal means" with valid visas, seeking the same protection.
Crowe's portrayal of the power dynamics within Tribunals is a standout aspect of the book. She effectively highlights the inherent flaws and lack of principled decision-making in these institutions. The book uncovers a concerning pattern of biased historical and ongoing systemic exclusion that taints the quality of decision-making. Crowe's revelations about the shocking lack of cultural awareness among decision-makers are eye-opening, emphasizing that prejudice can exist not only on an individual level but also within the structural framework.
One of the book's strengths lies in Crowe's personal experiences assisting individuals seeking asylum, which provide an intimate perspective on the blurred boundaries between parliamentary, judicial, and executive powers. The book sheds light on the immense authority held by Ministers, with their decisions being essentially unreviewable and unaccountable. Furthermore, the delegation of extraordinary powers to public servants who may lack the necessary expertise to make such critical decisions regarding protection is disconcerting, as highlighted by Crowe.
Acts of Cruelty serves as a powerful reminder that Australia's migration system requires a thorough reevaluation. Crowe effectively underscores the urgent need for a more just, equitable, and compassionate system that prioritizes the fair treatment of those seeking protection. The book resonates with the notion that individuals fleeing their home countries have already endured immense hardship, and it is our responsibility to provide trauma-informed, cross-culturally aware, and dignified treatment upon their arrival.
In conclusion, Acts of Cruelty is a gripping account of the flaws within Australia's migration system. Aileen Crowe's personal experiences and insights shed light on the prejudiced decision-making processes within Tribunals and the unchecked powers of Ministers. The book serves as a call to action, urging for deep cleaning and transformation of the migration system to ensure a more just and compassionate approach to individuals seeking asylum.
Crowe's portrayal of the power dynamics within Tribunals is a standout aspect of the book. She effectively highlights the inherent flaws and lack of principled decision-making in these institutions. The book uncovers a concerning pattern of biased historical and ongoing systemic exclusion that taints the quality of decision-making. Crowe's revelations about the shocking lack of cultural awareness among decision-makers are eye-opening, emphasizing that prejudice can exist not only on an individual level but also within the structural framework.
One of the book's strengths lies in Crowe's personal experiences assisting individuals seeking asylum, which provide an intimate perspective on the blurred boundaries between parliamentary, judicial, and executive powers. The book sheds light on the immense authority held by Ministers, with their decisions being essentially unreviewable and unaccountable. Furthermore, the delegation of extraordinary powers to public servants who may lack the necessary expertise to make such critical decisions regarding protection is disconcerting, as highlighted by Crowe.
Acts of Cruelty serves as a powerful reminder that Australia's migration system requires a thorough reevaluation. Crowe effectively underscores the urgent need for a more just, equitable, and compassionate system that prioritizes the fair treatment of those seeking protection. The book resonates with the notion that individuals fleeing their home countries have already endured immense hardship, and it is our responsibility to provide trauma-informed, cross-culturally aware, and dignified treatment upon their arrival.
In conclusion, Acts of Cruelty is a gripping account of the flaws within Australia's migration system. Aileen Crowe's personal experiences and insights shed light on the prejudiced decision-making processes within Tribunals and the unchecked powers of Ministers. The book serves as a call to action, urging for deep cleaning and transformation of the migration system to ensure a more just and compassionate approach to individuals seeking asylum.
Displaying 1 of 1 review