Australia annually welcomes around 13,000 refugees, who often face overcrowding in detention centers. Although these centers have gained a negative perception as being ‘unsuitable for children’, they play a crucial role in providing temporary shelter to immigrants and asylum seekers while they go through the process of applying for citizenship. Numerous refugees have escaped from countries grappling with challenging situations like war or political instability, making them appreciative of any alternative haven available.
The Australian government has the duty to carry out checks on individuals prior to their entry into the country. This is essential due to the presence of individuals, such as terrorists, who pose a danger to Australia. Detention centers play a vital role in segregating these individuals from others and assessing whether they should be permitted entry or not. Essentially, detention centers serve as our gatekeepers, where we exercise caution akin to our own homes by not admitting strangers without knowing their intentions and ensuring our safety.
While not all detention centers provide exceptional facilities for residents, they do offer refugees essential necessities like food, water, medical aid, and education for children. They also provide shelter. According to Dr. Zachary Steel, a Clinical Psychologist, most of these individuals will eventually become Australian citizens or be released into the community with temporary protection visas. Therefore, it is important to consider detention centers as temporary residences for refugees during their paperwork processing rather than as prisons.
