"So, regardless what any poster here wants to believe, they are not illegal, by the sole virtue of claiming asylum when challenged."
Are they asked why they didn't seek asylum closer to home? How they made it to Indonesia, esp entering by plane which requires passports and visas? Why is the documentation not still available when on the boat to Australia? Why are you able to travel back home unpersecuted yet left because of persecution? Why isn't the family you intend uniting dead/raped or in jail if persecution is rife?
I respect your point. I could enter any country without being invited and not be seen as an illegal simply by claiming asylum. Obviously once my claim is investigated it would be seen as false and I would be deported.
Some are suggesting that this is a racist issue. It is in a way. A boat load of Greeks would be turned away but a boat load of coloured skins would be believed straight away. Seems discrimination in reverse.
I personally don't care who wants to emigrate here, just do it legally and don't play on your hard done by life in your mother land. Embrace Australia and remember when in Australia do as the Australians do. And leave your political hang ups at home.
