Some posters have correctly made the point that these "boat people" are taking the spot of refugees who officially wait to come in via the front door.
However, further to this, the point needs to be made that "boat people" should not be classified as "refugees" or asylum seekers in the same way as those who flee their countries to the nearest safe country.
The "boat people" have chosen to come to Australia and have made their way thousands of kms to get here, rather than fleeing to their nearest safe haven...
...if they were real economic or political refugees, in fear for their lives, they would/should indeed drop everything and leave their country to the nearest safe country and not be planning an illegal journey to Australia.
Send them back to where they came and tell them to flee like any real political or economic refugee.
The few legitimate refugees I have met, who have come via refugee camps over the border from their native country are the real deal and should always be considered before anyone who pays a smuggler for a ticket to Australia.
