Petitions On Immigrant English Test Reach Parliament

The first batch of petitions calling for a Parliamentary inquiry into the recently announced change to the English language test for immigrants is due to be presented to National MP Pansy Wong today (1310 December 17, 2002).

“Petitions from Chinese communities are rare, so this just goes to show the importance and grief attached to this issue by these migrants,” says Pansy Wong.

“The change will undoubtedly reduce or close the doors to Chinese speaking migrants,” she says.

The petition organiser, Auckland’s Jackie Orr will be on hand to present the petition, as will members of the Auckland and Wellington Chinese Communities.

“The present day Chinese communities would not exist if these requirements were in place.

“Now the Immigration Minster’s saying that after lifting the English requirement, she’ll lower the total passing mark for skill migrants.

“Surely this is clear evidence that Labour’s discriminating against migrants from a non-English speaking background.

“It takes a lot for the Chinese and Asian communities to publicly exhibit their disapproval.

“I call on all political parties to support an inquiry into the announced changes,” Pansy Wong says.

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