Politicians’ rethink on immigration demands sober analysis

EditorialEditorialSeptember 17, 2026 — 5:30amSeptember 17, 2026 — 5:30amUS President John Kennedy once described America as an immigrant nation. It prompted a television late-night show gag that immigration was the sincerest form of flattery. Some Australians, marooned in a changing world they no longer recognise, don’t think it is a joke.Immigration has become both divisive and corrosive and evolved into a pivotal moment for Australia.The Herald today begins a series on immigration that traces how our changing national policy since the turn of the century has shaped our society and economics, creating great expectations for some and great disappointments for others. Photo: Marija ErcegovacOur series begins as the number of temporary visas issued passes 1 million annually and an underclass including skilled workers, international students and working holidaymakers tops 3 million. Astoundingly, they comprise more than 16 per cent of the working-age population, subsidising workplaces without the rights of permanent residents or citizens.In addition, more than 371,000 visas were issued to international students last year – almost a 30 per cent jump from a decade ago, but down from a post-COVID pandemic high of 577,000 in 2022-23.Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke is expected to announce changes to the immigration system at the National Press Club on Thursday.In a wide-ranging interview with Herald investigative reporter Eryk Bagshaw, conducted before immigration dominated this week’s Parliament, Burke warned that Australia faces the possibility of turning into a guest worker economy.He also issued a warning about One Nation’s immigration plan to cut hundreds of thousands of migrants, declaring hospitals would close and tourism collapse.One Nation has proposed cutting 750,000 student and family visas and reducing Australia’s population for three years before returning to 130,000 a year. An estimated 80,000 visa overstayers would be removed and international students and workers would be banned from extending their stay by rolling over bridging visas. There would be a cap of 100,000 on international student visas.Pauline Hanson has defended her party’s migration policy.Alex EllinghausenWhile there is no question there are people in Australia who share the prejudices about race, immigration and economic nationalism expressed by Pauline Hanson, there is no evidence this is a majority view, or anywhere near a majority view.That said, no party is defending the current immigration settings, and our cities are struggling to cope with the influx of temporary migrants fuelling the economy.The way One Nation has played it has been so extreme that Hanson’s political opponents have been forced to catch up, playing with pretend numbers with no real indication of where limits lie or the impact of changing the policy.Such decisions cannot be driven by politics and the hot-headed emotions that have infiltrated public debate on immigration. They must be based on evidence and a sober assessment of the country’s needs and challenges.Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.The Herald's View – Since the Herald was first published in 1831, the editorial team has believed it important to express a considered view on the issues of the day for readers, always putting the public interest first.From our partners