Growing up, I would’ve never imagined that any place in the world could be as politically corrupt and unjust…. let alone worse than the United States. However, upon arrival in Sydney, Australia I was surprised to learn more about the political and foreign policies that are prevalent in this distant country.

Some things that are particularly corrupt in Australia are issues regarding immigration, race, and equality. Initially, it was extremely striking to learn about these foreign problems that I was never aware of back in America. I thought that once I left the US, things would be more peaceful and civil. Then I realized that every country has its own flaws and corrupt issues; they keep to themselves and manipulate the propaganda to their best interest. Everything seems so perfect from the outside, and you can’t truly become exposed to the reality of a nation until you fully immerse yourself in the culture and surroundings.

Although, the immigration laws and policies in the US were quite disturbing to learn about, the issues of immigration in Australia are significantly more horrific. When I first became aware of the unjust policies in Australia, I thought that the US was the only unsympathetic nation that turns it’s backs on innocent immigrants who are begging for asylum. However, I soon found out that Australia has even worse immigration policies and treats the incoming refugees as if they are criminals.

From the outside, Australia seems as if it is a multicultural country that embraces and celebrates its widespread diversity. However, government officials and politicians are trying to change this multicultural structure. There are now strict laws being enforced in regards to immigrants who are arriving by boat seeking asylum.

These individuals who are traveling to Australia in hopes of a better life are facing life-threatening situations back in their hometowns. It is truly devastating to learn about the harsh treatment that these refugees are facing because they are extremely vulnerable and desperate upon arrival. Instead of Australia welcoming these individuals with sympathy, these refugees get locked up in modern day “concentration camps” on bordering islands. They then have to live in these institutions with terrible conditions and illnesses.

Refugees are dehumanized and treated like criminals just because they need help. Those who are locked away in detention centers are denied rights to asylum and are faced with verbally- and physically-abusive situations. They are living in a non-ending nightmare because these detention centers hold refugees hostage indefinitely. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, “Australia's policy towards asylum seekers is one of deliberate and calculated barbaric cruelty.”

Today, certain radical members of the Australian parliament are racist against certain ethnic groups. These racist members of authority are trying to ban certain races and religions from entering the country unless they have had a substantial amount of education and a valid reason for entering the country. This is very similar to the travel ban that President Trump is trying to enforce in the US.

These issues are prevalent all over the world; however, you only become aware of them once you experience them within a certain culture. Issues of same-sex marriage and racism are still the main topics of political debates in Australia. I have watched a couple of political debates here in Sydney, and they remind me of the same issues and arguments that are occurring back in America.

I have come to the realization that every country has its own political issues and corruptions deep within its government. However, the only way to truly be exposed to these issues is to spend a significant amount of time in a country and to fully immerse yourself in a new culture.

The one hopeful thing that I have learned amongst all these corruptions is that a majority of individuals in Australia are standing up for what they believe in. Members amongst the younger generations are raising their voices by protesting on social media, just as many citizens of the United States do in order to make a difference in the world.