Unlocking Word
Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in
today’s article.
1. deport
(v.) [dih-pawrt, -pohrt] – to forcibly remove a foreign national from the country where he
or she presently resides
Example: Foreigners are usually deported when their visas expire.
2. national
(n.) [nash-uh-nl, nash-nuhl] – a citizen of a particular country
Example: Annie’s parents are both American nationals, but she decided to settle in
London with her husband.
3. migrant
(n.) [mahy-gruhnt] – a person who moves from one place to another by plan or chance
Example: Some migrants who live in different cities seek a better future.
4. visa
(n.) [vee-zuh] – an official permit to enter into and travel within a particular country
Example: My boss needs to get his tourist visa before his scheduled trip to
Germany.
5. red
tape (n.) [red teyp] – set of procedures that are often time-consuming
Example: The government promised to eliminate
the red tape in obtaining building
permits.
Article
Read the text below.
The Australian Immigration Department clarified
through Minister Chris Bowen that they have not planned nor even thought of deporting Gladys Jefferson, a 96-
year-old British national, who
wishes to remain in Tasmania with her only living relatives.
The Australian Government earlier refused to
grant Jefferson a permanent migrant
visa because of her weak health
condition. Her family fears she might be deported back to Britain.
However, Bowen assured the family that the
government has no plans to deport Jefferson because she is legally living in
Australia and still has a pending visa application before the department.
Although her application for contributory parent visa was not approved, other
visa options are available for her.
Nonetheless, no special treatment shall be given
to her because people who want to migrate to Australia must meet the health
requirement for visa approval.
In light of this situation, the Australian
Greens, a political party advocating for justice and the environment, urges
the government to diminish red tape
in the immigration system.
Sarah Hanson-Young, spokesperson of the party,
said that the immigration system needs to change because, as the case of
Jefferson shows, the government has surely lost some compassion.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion
A
·
Should
the government limit the number of immigrants entering the country?
·
Should
countries accept visa applications of foreign nationals in cases like Gladys
Jefferson’s? Why or why not?
Discussion
B
·
What
are the advantages and disadvantages of migrating to another country?
·
Are
there a lot of immigrants in your country? What are the common nationalities of
immigrants there?
