la 1999:274). Britian provided the largest number of immigrants early in the century, though its share is down from 44.3% in 1962-1963 to 12% in 1992-1993. At this time, 43% of the migrants were from Asian countries (Australia1994). Australia has placed the highest priority on immigration since 1945 and experienced the greatest proportional population as a result (Ongley and Pearson 1995:766).White Australia as a policy and an idea failed in many ways. Potential immigrants lost interest in moving to Australia, it alienated the mostly Asian states, and it made Australians world view of Britains theories unfashionable and in no good interest of Australia (Jupp 1995:209). The immigration law now has new standards and a multi-cultural policy. Australia is much more lenient about who may immigrate to the country. In 1967 the amendment of their constitution gave aborigines citizenship and the right to vote. Also, in 1992 the aborigines were granted land rights which had previously been taken away (Jayaraman 2000:142). The Australian government has changed too. It went from being labor ruled to a Federal Liberal government in March 1996. The liberal party is parallel with the British conservatives and the American Republicans (Johnson 1997). However, Australia is still under the control of the British republic. There is a proposition to change the constitution and make Australia an independent nation (Jayaraman 2000:144).After the change of government the immigration law became stricter. The number of immigrants taken in was decreased and the fees and waiting period to become a citizen increased. Although Australia has come a long way in their policies from the settlement days, there is still a lot of reconciling to do with the Aborigines (Castles and Zappala 1999:285). In the past, Australia has caused many hardships for its indigenous people and non-white immigrants. Importantly though is the fact that Australians at various...
