This paper assesses the level and composition of contemporary Asian immigration to Australia and explores its processes and impacts. The final reversal of the White Australia Policy in the 1970s opened the door to substantial increases in Asian immigration, particularly from Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, China, India and Hong Kong. Most migrants are entering through the family reunion, refugee and business migration categories. Vietnamese dominate both family reunion and refugee categories, but the recent prominence among family migrants of Filipino wives and fiancees of Australian men is drawing attention and controversy. Asian migrants tend to be young and female, but there are also great variations in their economic and social adaptations to Australia. Discrimination, exploitation and unemployment are among the problems faced by some Asian groups.
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