Australia’s enthusiasm for immigration is being tested
The country is trying to slash net migration
![](https://www.economist.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1424,quality=80,format=auto/content-assets/images/20240210_ASP503.jpg)
AUSTRALIA HAS long claimed to be the world’s most successful multicultural country. Immigrants have increased its population by more than a third this century, to over 26m. The promise of sunshine and well-paid work first drew European migrants; now more come from China and India. This has never triggered a major populist backlash: most Australians have welcomed the newcomers with open arms. But now their tolerance is being tested.
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This article appeared in the Asia section of the print edition under the headline “G’day, goodbye”
Asia February 10th 2024
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