Introduction of the Immigration Restriction Act and the White Australia Policy.

In 1901, the Immigration Restriction Act was introduced in Australia, laying the foundation for the White Australia policy. The background of this Act stemmed from a growing sense of racial superiority among the European settlers towards non-white immigrants, particularly Asian populations. The Act aimed to restrict non-European immigration to maintain a homogenous white population in Australia. The impact of the Immigration Restriction Act was far-reaching. It effectively barred individuals from Asia and the Pacific Islands from migrating to Australia by implementing a dictation test in any European language. This discriminatory policy reinforced xenophobia and racism within the Australian society, fostering a sense of national identity built on the exclusion of non-white individuals. Consequently, the White Australia policy became entrenched in various aspects of Australian life, including employment, housing, and social interactions. It perpetuated segregation and limited opportunities for non-white communities, contributing to a systemic marginalization that persisted for decades. The introduction of the Immigration Restriction Act marked a dark chapter in Australian history, reflecting the prevailing attitudes of the time towards race and immigration. It symbolized a deliberate effort to uphold a white-dominated society while disregarding the cultural and ethnic diversity that could enrich the nation. #ImmigrationRestrictionAct #WhiteAustraliaPolicy #Discrimination #RacialSegregation #Xenophobia