Author: Tomas Rincon – Immigration Lawyer
A Rallying Cry for Facts, Not Fear
Immigration has long been a cornerstone of Australia’s identity, prosperity, and global reputation. From regional towns to capital cities, the contribution of migrants is visible in our hospitals, construction sites, universities, and small businesses. Yet despite these undeniable benefits, immigration remains a flashpoint for public debate and is often shaped more by emotion than evidence.
If you have been following the news lately, you might have seen coverage of the “March for Australia” rally held on 31 August 2025. Organised by groups linked to extremist, anti-immigration ideologies, the rally has reignited debates about who belongs in this country and what immigration means for our future.
Held in locations across the country, the rallies featured inflammatory slogans blaming migrants for housing shortages, job insecurity, and rising living costs. While these messages attracted media attention, they were widely condemned by community leaders and experts who reaffirmed the essential role that immigration plays in supporting Australia’s economy, workforce, and social cohesion.
But here is the truth: movements like this thrive on fear, not facts. They recycle the same old myths about immigration, myths that don’t stand up to scrutiny.
Australia’s story has always been one of migration. From the post-war arrivals who helped build our infrastructure to the skilled professionals driving today’s industries, migrants have been central to our prosperity. So instead of focusing on fringe rhetoric, let’s focus on the evidence.
Myth #1: “Immigrants Take Our Jobs”
This is one of the most common arguments raised against immigration, but it simply doesn’t match the reality on the ground. The claim suggests that every migrant who enters the workforce pushes an Australian worker out of a job. In practice, the opposite is happening.
Migrants are often filling jobs in critical shortage areas, roles that employers are struggling to staff with local workers. Healthcare is a prime example. Australia has an ageing population, and demand for doctors, nurses, and aged-care workers continues to grow. Migrants are stepping into those roles, ensuring that hospitals, aged-care facilities, and regional clinics can keep their doors open.
The same is true in construction and technology. Major infrastructure projects depend on skilled tradespeople from overseas, while IT specialists and engineers bring expertise that keeps Australian businesses competitive. Without migration, many of these roles would remain unfilled, slowing down projects and stalling growth.
The numbers speak for themselves. As of May 2025, job vacancies stood at 339,400, and private sector demand had increased by more than 3%. Far from “taking” jobs, migrants are helping the economy expand, creating more opportunities for everyone.
Myth #2: “Immigration Drains the Economy”
Another popular myth is that immigration is a drain on public resources. Opponents often argue that migrants take more in welfare and services than they contribute. But study after study has shown this isn’t true.
Migrants are net contributors to the Australian economy. Each year, they add over $120 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through their work, taxes, and consumer spending. They don’t just support existing industries; they help build new ones. In fact, projections suggest that by 2050, businesses founded by migrants will contribute a staggering $1.5 trillion to the economy.
Small businesses are where this impact is most visible. About one in three small businesses in Australia is migrant-owned, ranging from local cafes and grocery stores to tech startups and professional consultancies. These businesses create jobs for Australians, expand consumer choice, and inject fresh ideas into the marketplace.
Think of your favourite local restaurant, the corner shop that stayed open during the pandemic, or the tech service you use daily. Chances are that migrants played a role in bringing it to life.
Immigration and Business: A Strategic Advantage
Immigration doesn’t just benefit the economy in abstract terms; it’s a direct driver of business success. For Australian companies, having a workforce enriched by migration is a strategic advantage.
Migrants bring with them not just skills, but global networks, multilingual ability, and cultural understanding. These qualities open doors for businesses looking to trade internationally or attract overseas clients. They also make workplaces more dynamic, where diversity of perspective leads to innovation and better problem-solving.
This advantage isn’t limited to the major cities, either. Regional Australia is a clear example of migration’s power. In Tamworth, for instance, unemployment is sitting at just 2.3%, a figure well below the national average. Migrant workers have played a huge role in keeping industries like agriculture, food production, and services running in these areas, ensuring regional towns remain resilient and sustainable.
In cities like Melbourne and Sydney, meanwhile, migrants are at the heart of thriving small-to-medium enterprises, contributing to both business growth and job creation at impressive rates.
Myth #3: “Migrants Don’t Integrate”
Finally, let’s tackle the idea that migrants don’t integrate into Australian society. This argument often gets rolled out by those who point to cultural differences as a barrier. But the evidence paints a very different picture.
The vast majority of migrants, over 85%, report feeling a strong sense of belonging in Australia. They work, study, volunteer, and contribute to community life at rates comparable to people born here. They enrol their children in local schools, join sporting clubs, and take part in civic activities that strengthen our communities.
When it comes to citizenship uptake, skilled migrants lead the way. They are also more likely to achieve higher levels of education, which benefits both their families and the broader economy. In short, migrants are not living on the margins of society; they are right at the centre of it.
Facts Over Fear
Immigration is not something to be feared. It is one of Australia’s greatest strengths. Migrants enrich our culture, support our industries, and help build resilient communities from the ground up.
Unless we are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples, we are all migrants or descendants of migrants. From early settlers to post-war arrivals and skilled professionals today, migration has always been part of our national story. To question the place of new migrants is to overlook the shared beginnings of most Australians.
What’s too often ignored is the reality that many migrants face discrimination and racism, not because of what they have done, but simply because of where they come from, how they speak, or what they believe. Despite this, they show up, they contribute, and they give back. Migrants overcome language barriers, complex visa systems, and limited access to support, often while working in underpaid or high-pressure roles. To scapegoat these individuals is not only inaccurate; it is deeply unjust.
Fringe rallies may attempt to spread fear and division, but the facts tell a different story: Australia thrives because of migration, not in spite of it.
Standing with Every Migrant, Every Step of the Way
At Absolute Immigration Legal, we proudly support individuals, families, and businesses navigating Australia’s immigration system. Whether you are seeking skilled visas, employer sponsorship, or business migration pathways, we are here to guide you with clarity, care, and integrity, and to stand alongside those shaping a fairer, more inclusive Australia.
We value every migrant’s story. We see the courage it takes to start over, the determination it takes to succeed, and the resilience it takes to overcome barriers. Our commitment goes beyond paperwork. We believe in people, not just process. Because behind every visa is a life, a family, a future, and we are honoured to be part of that journey.
Contact us today to explore the best immigration strategy for your business by emailing us at admin@absoluteimmigrationlegal.com.