Economic migrants just as legitimate as refugees
Today on World Refugee Day, the Greens have released a policy to double the quota twice, with a target of 5,000
refugees. The Migrant and Refugee Rights Campaign (MARRC) welcome this policy, but say that economic migrants must also
be welcomed.
“It’s not enough to welcome refugees on one hand, and scapegoat economic migrants on the other,” says trade unionist and
Wellington Central candidate Gayaal Iddamalgoda. “We call on the Greens to reject James Shaw’s policy of a 1% on
immigration, which was not even democratically decided by the party.”
“Labour’s call to cut 10s of 1000s of immigrants, while increasing the refugee quota, is even worse in giving with one
hand and taking with the other.”
Gayaal continues that playing ‘deserving’ and ‘undeserving’ refugees and migrants against each other is a divide and
rule tactic. “Divide and rule tactics just aid the race to the bottom; whether dividing ‘local’ and migrant workers, or
refugees and migrant workers.”
Along with increasing the quota, MARRC demands full rights for all migrants. “What’s best for migrant workers is best
for everyone; high-quality affordable housing, a Living Wage, and the right to organise with other workers for improved
conditions. These policies benefit the majority, regardless of origin.”
ends