Australia's Response to the Refugee Crisis

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I decided to perform an interview on the topic of refugees in Australia.  Understanding this issue requires some background information.  Australia is the only country that has a program of mandatory detention for any refugee arriving on boat without a proper visa.  The length of time spent in the detention center varies but on average these refugees spend 450 days confined to the offshore centers (https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au).  Because of the charged nature of the issue I found it difficult to approach someone for the interview.  However, while on the subway I greeted some people who seemed fairly friendly.  They graciously accepted when I asked if I could interview one of them.  The group nominated one of their members for the interview and I told him the topic.  To my surprise he said that he was a refugee lawyer.  After hearing his profession, I was incredibly excited that I found someone who would have a knowledgeable view of the topic. 
To start off the interview, I asked him how he felt about the current policy about refugees in Australia.  He called the policy “abhorrent” and stated that it should matter if the refugee arrives by boat instead of bicycle or car.  He expressed the belief that every refugee should be accepted and not indefinitely detained.  Next, I asked him what Australia should do with the refugees.  He stated that Australia plays an important role in the refugee crisis in the region and must be more active in assigning new homes to these displaced peoples.  When he mention the importance of Australia in the region I was reminded on the statements made by the consul general during our visit to the consulate.  Australia is an incredibly important power in this region of the world in a variety of ways.  He believed that Australia needs to lead the efforts in resettling refugees in its corner of the world.  His statements cause me to realize that Australia acts as a bastion of American and European values.  He mention the importance of Bangladesh in resettlements efforts and soon after that I had to conclude the interview as my stop had arrived. 
Although my interaction was short I feel that I learned a lot about the values of Australians regarding refugees.  Obviously since I interviewed a refugee lawyer his views aligned with lowering restrictions on refugees.  Nevertheless, the passion in his answers exposed me to the controversial nature of the topic.  He views the currently policy as a disgusting violation of the human rights of these refugees.  His dissatisfaction with current policy was balanced with a view of the future where refugees could easily start new lives.  His anger was countered by hope for a better tomorrow; one that he is trying to pursue in his work as a refugee lawyer.
Additionally, the experience of the interview showed me the kindness and friendliness of Australians.  After preparing myself to ask about the interview, I tried to politely interject and ask my question.  After I finished my question, the entire group was incredibly accommodating.  I felt no anxiety about asking my questions.  If I asked to interview someone on the metro back in Maryland, I would probably be ignored or told no and get glared at for bothering the person.  The environment of Australia is far more relaxed than the faster pace back home.  Moreover, the interviewee expressed his views very cogently and thoughtfully.  I feel as though if I raised a similarly controversial topic back at Maryland the conversation would be somewhat less calm. 

Overall I enjoyed the experience of interviewing a stranger.  Now that I know the kindness of some of the people in Australia I will certainly feel more motivate to start conversations with new people.  In relation to the subject of refugees, my understanding of the public’s response has grown.  I did not even know that there were specific lawyers for refugees before this interview.  People are fighting against the horrible practices in place in Australia and working to make life better for refugees.  This interview gave me more hope in the improvement of Australian policy and I look forward to seeing the work of my interviewee and others improve the lives of displaced people.
-Eric Crump

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