Deportation Bill: Why Australian Government Wants to Impose Trump-like Travel Ban on These Countries

Zimbabwean-born CALD community activist Tich Chingombe weighs in on the Australian government's proposed 'Trump-like' travel ban on some countries which do not cooperate with deportation efforts. In March, the Government introduced a Bill granting the Minister for Immigration expanded powers to compel cooperation with deportations from Australia. The Bill empowers the Minister to bar entry to people from specific countries. This move raises concerns of a potential broad travel ban affecting countries like Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Iran, Iraq, and Russia, which have resisted accepting involuntary returns. Critics including Greens Senator David Shoebridge says Labor’s proposed laws are too harsh. Protests against Labor’s deportation Bill were held in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane on Saturday amid concerns the proposed legislation, which could be voted on this week, is inhumane.