Asylum Seekers

Asylum seekers are one of the most disadvantaged groups in the Australian community. Increasingly used as scapegoats, labeled as boat people and que jumpers, life for Asylum seeker young people is tough.

- My family left East Timor when I was 13 years old. For 7 years we have been waiting in limbo for a decision by the Australian government to see if we can remain in Australia. (20 year old East Timorese young woman)

Although this young woman has spent her formative years in Australia, having developed local networks she is still unsure if she and her family will have to return to East Timor. Young people worry about having to return to a now foreign place, the waiting and uncertainty placed severe strains on a young person's development.

- I can't afford to do tertiary studies as I am treated as an overseas full fee paying student. (East Timorese young man.)

Asylum seekers receive a minimal amount of finical assistance from the Red Cross Asylum Seekers Program, but for many who do not receive this assistance life is hard.