National-led Government rejects call to change 'ableist' immigration policy

https://www.stuff.co.nz/pou-tiaki/133368384/nationalled-government-rejects-call-to-change-ableist-immigration-policy

10 points · 2 comments · view on lemmy.world

2 Comments

absGeekNZ@lemmy.nz · 7 pts · 2y

I don't disagree with the policy in general.

We have enough need here without importing extra need. I would love it if we as a country could afford to care for all regardless of their need; but the pragmatist in me says that is simply not the case. In the real world, I would prioritize the care of New Zealanders over those of people trying to move here.

ArbitraryValue@sh.itjust.works · 6 pts · 2y

the policy treats people with disabilities as cost burdens and is ableist

Is it wrong to treat a person who would in fact be a cost burden as if that person would be a cost burden? I don't think the answer is obviously "yes." A country owes equal treatment to its own citizens but generally speaking a country doesn't owe much to foreigners. It can be pragmatic when selecting immigrants in a way that it can't be when dealing with its own people.