Explain White Australia Policy.

The White Australia Policy was a set of immigration policies and laws implemented by the Australian government from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, aimed at restricting non-European immigration and maintaining racial homogeneity in Australia. The policy reflected the prevailing attitudes of the time, which were characterized by racism, xenophobia, and fears of cultural dilution and economic competition.

Key features of the White Australia Policy included:

1. Immigration Restriction Act (1901): Also known as the "White Australia Policy," this legislation was the cornerstone of Australia's immigration policy for much of the 20th century. It effectively prohibited non-European immigration to Australia by imposing a dictation test, which required immigrants to pass a language test in a European language chosen by immigration officials.

2. Preference for British and European Immigrants: The White Australia Policy favored immigration from Britain and other European countries while excluding people of non-European descent. The policy reflected a desire to maintain Australia's Anglo-Celtic heritage and cultural ties to Britain while excluding people perceived as racially and culturally inferior.

3. Racial Discrimination: The White Australia Policy institutionalized racial discrimination and segregation in Australian society, with non-European immigrants facing systemic barriers to entry, employment, and social integration. Discriminatory practices were evident in areas such as housing, education, employment, and access to public services.

4. Impact on Indigenous Australians: The White Australia Policy exacerbated existing inequalities and discrimination faced by Indigenous Australians, who were marginalized and disenfranchised in their own country. Indigenous Australians were excluded from the benefits of immigration and citizenship rights afforded to non-Indigenous Australians under the policy.

5. Abolition and Legacy: The White Australia Policy was gradually dismantled from the 1950s onwards, following changing attitudes, social movements, and geopolitical shifts. The policy was officially abolished in the 1970s, paving the way for a more inclusive and multicultural immigration policy in Australia. However, the legacy of the White Australia Policy continues to shape debates over immigration, race, and identity in contemporary Australia, highlighting the ongoing challenges of combating racism and promoting social inclusion in a diverse society.