American Association of People with Disabilities’ Post

Australia prides itself on being a "fair go" nation, embracing multiculturalism and diversity. However, this ideal is not a reality for migrants with disability. Recent stories highlight the harsh realities faced by families like Laura Currie and Dante Vendittelli, whose son Luca was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Despite their contributions to society, they face the threat of deportation due to strict health requirements that deem Luca a financial burden. Australia's immigration policies, rooted in outdated perceptions of disability, continue to discriminate against those with medical needs. This systemic ableism contradicts the nation's commitment to fairness and inclusion. It's time for Australia to re-evaluate these policies and truly embrace all individuals, regardless of their health status. For Australians with disabilities, these policies suggest that their rights and potential contributions are undervalued in the context of immigration. The ableist nature of the policies reflects a need for systemic change to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their health status, are given fair opportunities to live and thrive in Australia. This also points to a broader issue of needing to align immigration policies with the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion that Australia aims to uphold. Read more on the impact of Australia's immigration policies on disabled migrants and the ongoing fight for change. #Inclusion #Diversity #DisabilityRights #MigrationPolicy #FairGo

A different perspective on immigration: A clause considering disability and the cost of supporting a disabled person could potentially impact visa approvals n Australia #immigration #visas #disability #perspective

Another learning day Extract-'You're not welcome here': Australia’s treatment of disabled migrants With a third of its population born abroad, Australia has long seen itself as a “migration nation” - a multicultural home for immigrants that promises them a fair go and a fresh start. The idea is baked into its identity. But the reality is often different, especially for those who have a disability or a serious medical condition. It is one of few countries that routinely rejects immigrants’ visas on the basis of their medical needs - specifically if the cost of care exceeds A$86,000 ($57,000; £45,000) over a maximum of 10 years. New Zealand has a similar policy but Australia's is much stricter. The government defends the law as necessary to curb government spending and protect citizens' access to healthcare. It says these visas aren’t technically rejected. But neither are they granted. Some can apply for a waiver, although not all visas allow it. They could also appeal the decision but the process is lengthy and expensive. Campaigners see this as discriminatory and out of step with modern attitudes towards disability. And after years of fighting for it, they are hoping for change in the coming weeks, with an official review of the health requirements under way… Australia has form when it comes to its strict immigration policies. It had its own version of “stop the boats”, which sent people arriving by boat to offshore detention centres in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Island of Nauru and made controversial headlines in recent years. It was only in the 1970s that it entirely rid itself of the “White Australia” policy that started in 1901 with the Immigration Restriction Act, which limited the number of non-white immigrants. The disability and health discriminations, which also date back to 1901, are still in place, says Jan Gothard, an immigration lawyer: "We still treat people with disability in the same way as we did in 1901 and we think they're not people who are welcome in Australia.” She is part of Welcoming Disability, an umbrella group that’s been pressuring the government to overhaul the law. Surprisingly, Australia's Migration Act is exempt from its own Disability Discrimination Act. Put simply, it doesn’t matter how long you’ve lived in Australia, if you were born in Australia, if you have private health insurance or even if you can pay for the support yourself - if you are deemed too much of a financial burden, you will fail the health requirement… https://lnkd.in/enUDsk_z

👏🏻👀🗞️Let’s compare and contrast two articles today for nuance v sensationalism; humanity v prejudice. Quoting academic studies, economists and refugees’ lived experience, Jade Wilson in The Irish Times reports research that as asylum seekers are allowed to work, their contribution to countries outweighs costs. “In the UK, which imposes some of the strongest restrictions on the right to work for people applying for asylum compared with other European nations, a study showed that allowing people seeking asylum the right to work would increase tax revenue by £1.3 billion (€1.5 billion)” writes Jade Wilson. “It would also reduce government expenditure by £6.7 billion, increase GDP by £1.6 billion and improve the wellbeing of those individuals, the study by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) showed. “Similarly, a 2017 The World Bank report estimated that increasing immigration by a margin equal to 3 per cent of the workforce in developed countries would generate global economic gains of $356 billion (€327 billion).” “The State, instead of paying social welfare to highly educated people, should come up with better policies to allow refugees to integrate and contribute,” concludes Manizha, former dean of dentistry at a university in #Afghanistan, now working as a dentist in Cork having been given refugee status in Ireland. … Meanwhile the front page of today’s Daily Telegraph in the UK presents a rather more xenophobic slant as anyone familiar with the paper may expect (see comment below 👇). “CHANNEL MIGRANTS GIVEN RIGHT TO WORK IN UK” splashed the front page - as if exposing a massive scandal, adding in smaller letters - “Home Office grants asylum seekers route to employment in care, construction and farming” - which has been the policy in the UK for several years now. While asylum seekers in #Ireland can apply for a work permit after waiting for an initial decision for half a year, in the #UK, only if asylum seekers have been waiting over a year through no fault of their own can they apply to work in certain shortage occupations. This policy has been in place since 2010, yet the Telegraph manufactures new outrage in a front page only referencing dismay from Nigel Farage and some Conservative MPs obsessed with deterring immigrants. “This is the opposite of a deterrent” complains Miriam Cate of the right wing anti-immigrant New Conservatives grouping of MPs. ➡️Should nations whip up xenophobic policies to make asylum seekers as miserable as possible in a vain attempt to deter them? ➡️Or should we, as Manizha suggests, stop scapegoating refugees and help them contribute to our economies? #immigration #refugees #work #employment #humanresources #humanity

How Might The Proposed #IllegalMigration Bill Affect Child Rights? The #UK Government’s recently proposed “#IllegalMigrationBill” has stimulated extensive debate due to its potential implications for immigrants residing in the UK. One crucial area of concern pertains to child rights, as detailed in the ‘Child’s Rights Impact Assessment’ issued alongside the Bill. In this article, we look into the potential consequences of these proposals, shedding light on key issues that might affect immigrants, particularly those with families. Could Family Life Be Disrupted? Under the provisions of the proposed Bill, stricter deportation rules could result in family separations. Situations might arise where parents are deported and their children are left either with extended family or in care. Such actions could infringe upon the child’s right to family life and potentially inflict emotional distress and harm. Is The Child’s Best Interest At Risk? The UNCRC mandates that in any decision affecting a child, their best interests should be paramount. However, this Bill could potentially upset this principle. The demands of immigration control might supersede the child’s interests, leading to potentially adverse outcomes for the child. How Does It Affect #LegalSupport? The proposed Bill seeks to expedite the appeals process for denied asylum seekers, which could significantly reduce children and their families access to appropriate legal representation. This could potentially infringe upon their right to a fair hearing and legal recourse. Are Asylum Claims Limited? The Bill may restrict individuals from making asylum claims based on fresh evidence or changes in circumstances. Such limitations could trap children and families in precarious or unstable situations, leaving them with few #legal avenues to seek safety. https://lnkd.in/dpqH8ved #ukimmigration #UKImmigrationConsultant #VisaAssistance #ImmigrationServices #UKVisa #LegalImmigration #ImmigrationAdvice #UKSettlement #WorkVisaUK #Tier1Visa #ImmigrationExperts

Immigration Rights are a Social Justice topic that encompasses the rights afforded to individuals who are immigrants or seeking asylum in a particular country. Unfortunately, in some countries immigrants often face unequal treatment, discrimination, and might have limited access to basic human rights. Today we want to address a few of the many key aspects of immigration rights and reflect about why advocating for them matter: * Access to Asylum and Refuge: Many immigrants seek refuge due to persecution, violence, or other threats in their home countries. Social justice advocates emphasize the importance of providing fair and accessible refugee processes for those fleeing from dangerous situations. * Anti-Discrimination: Immigration rights involve addressing discrimination based on nationality, ethnicity, or immigration status. Advocates work towards creating inclusive societies that treat immigrants with dignity and respect, free from prejudice. * Family Reunification: Social justice efforts often focus on preserving family unity by advocating for laws that facilitate the reunification of families separated due to harsh immigration processes. * Labor Rights: Immigrant workers may face exploitation and abuse. Social justice in immigration includes advocating for fair labor practices, equal wages, and safe working conditions for all, regardless of their immigration status. * Access to Education and Healthcare: Social justice in immigration extends to ensuring that immigrants have equal access to education and healthcare services, irrespective of their immigration status. * Community Integration: Social justice efforts in immigration focus on fostering community integration and acceptance, challenging stereotypes, and promoting cultural understanding. It's important to take into consideration that perspectives on immigration rights can vary, and discussions often involve debates about national security, economic impact, and cultural considerations. Social justice advocates strive to balance these concerns while upholding the fundamental rights of immigrants. We are all citizens of the world. Learn more about Immigration Rights at: https://lnkd.in/eAS48pV5 [📸 by Courtesy of NYCLU, Image Description: A person holding a sign that says "We ALL belong here, we WILL defend each other" at a peaceful protest. ] #SocialJustice #ImmigrationRights #EqualTreatment

🌟 Promises for a Future Tomorrow Stands for Change 🌟 At Promises for a Future Tomorrow (PFAFT), we are deeply committed to making a positive impact on the lives of underrepresented immigrant populations. The recent analysis by advocacy groups reveals a concerning backlog in cases of young immigrants seeking green cards, doubling in the last two years. It's disheartening to see the challenges these vulnerable individuals face, and we recognize the urgent need for collective action. PFAFT reaffirms its dedication to supporting immigrant communities and advocates for: ✨ Expedited Case Adjudication: Urging immigration authorities to adjudicate cases within a 180-day deadline to alleviate the lengthy waiting periods. ✨ Legislative Action: Calling on Congress to take measures that would help young immigrants obtain green cards without contributing to the existing backlog. ✨ Collaboration for Change: Fostering collaborations with like-minded organizations, government agencies, and our community to address systemic issues. We believe in the strength of community and are determined to work tirelessly for a future where every individual, regardless of their background, can thrive. Join us in our mission to make a meaningful difference. 💙🌍 #PFAFT #ImmigrantRights #CommunitySupport #MakeADifference #Advocacy https://lnkd.in/gzwQEepX

Professor Hlass, Professor Davidson and Professor Kocher asserts "Ariel's experience is emblematic of what we have termed the “double exclusion” many immigrant youth face. They are not permitted to simply be children nor allowed to fully transition into an independent adulthood. A judge has determined that it is not in Ariel's best interest to return to El Salvador, so they remain in the United States; yet USCIS has not yet permitted Ariel to be permanently legally here, either. This has forced them to navigate multiple lines of double exclusions: in between physically present and legally present; in between El Salvador and the United States; in between childhood and adulthood; and in between application and adjudication. Although many scholars have viewed immigration controls through the lens of exclusion, we view SIJS youth as unique insofar as most navigate these regimes of exclusion at precisely the point in life (that is, the transition from childhood to adulthood) when the potentiality of their lives hangs in the balance. The objective duration of processing times for SIJS petitioners, which can be several months to several years, may not be exceptional when compared to other wait times for various immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. But we argue that the temporality of SIJS delays, a temporality that takes into account the sociopolitical context and effects of simple duration, illuminates the unique harms that SIJS youth experience at this unique point in life. Thus, our claims about double exclusion, illustrated through an analysis of USCIS data on SIJS processing, are grounded in and through the subjective experiences of immigrant youth who know the immigration system not as a set of data points but as a regime of deferrals and impediments to a full life. In this Article, we theorize these double exclusions as part of a broader landscape of immigrant precarity. Whereas precariousness is a subjective condition of vulnerability, we adopt Judith Butler's description of precarity as a consequence of (bio)political power that ensures “certain populations suffer from failing social and economic networks of support and become differentially exposed to injury, violence, and death.” Butler's framework does not preclude the individualized, discretionary agency of actors within powerful institutions, nor does it depend on it. Precarity may be the result of explicit government design to harm populations, as well as more subtle bureaucratic violence through inaction, incompetence, and unwillingness to address inequities. Most importantly for this Article, precarity does not necessarily work in opposition to seemingly humanitarian efforts (such as SIJS). Rather, precarity is often inextricably bound up with humanitarianism, particularly when humanitarianism becomes co-opted by the state and deployed as part of a broader system of neoliberal governance.

Change is necessary to protect the long-term future of foreign national religious workers in the United States. With the R-1 nonimmigrant visa limited to 5 years - and a potential 10 year wait for a green card - many are going to be forced to return to their home country to wait for their priority date to become current or try for another 5-year R-1. Proposals have been made to separate religious workers from the EB-4 category or even to allow R-1 extensions while waiting for the I-360 approval to become current, similar to H-1B workers with approved I-140s. #immigration #greencards #immigrationattorney #immigrationlawyer #religiousworkers

Canada commits to inclusivity in its immigration system! Did you know Canada offers accessible pathways to permanent residency for persons with disabilities? From priority processing in Express Entry & PNPs to more flexible eligibility for rural programs or medical exemptions, Canada facilitates immigration for differently abled individuals. Once a PR, persons with disabilities also qualify for health care, education accommodations & employment equity provisions. A model framework ensuring equality of migration opportunities regardless of disability status! #inthistogether