"You shall know that no one is illegal. It is a contradiction in itself. People can be beautiful or even more beautiful. They may be just or unjust. But illegal? How can someone be illegal?

Refugees asylum seekers and migrants are under constant attack in Australia. Many who have braved harsh conditions and undertaken epic journeys arrive in Australia only to be locked up in so called "detention centres." They have no legal rights, no freedom of movement and, for the majority of the community, may as well be invisible. In fact, the only time they are mentioned in the public sphere is when someone, and most often Phillip Ruddock, is labelling them "illegals," "que jumpers" or "terrorists." Even when released from detentions centres, they are provided with no assistance, no access to social services and are unable to work.

Other migrants who overstay their visa are either locked up or forced to live underground in fear of being found and deported. Even migrants with visas procured under the family reunion program are not allowed any government support for the first two years of their stay.

All people have the right to decide for themselves where and how they want to live. Respecting human rights for every human being regardless of their origin or identity means that the regulation of migration and the systematic denial of rights go against the demand for equality in all socially and politically relevant areas.

For more information nooneisillegal@netscape.net

For information on JOURNEY THROUGH: newly arrived immigrant & refugee women's health conferance being held on the 29th and 30th of May at the Royal Womens Hospital Melbourne, email: info@workingwomenshealth.asn.au or click here.

Read a report on the May 17 protest outside Australian Correctional Management offices in Sydney.

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