Australian discussion of asylum seekers is polarised between slogans of ‘Stop the Boats’ and ‘Bring them here’. Both sides have good arguments – and both have their blind spots. And both are ill-prepared for surprises that emerge from a careful look at the details: in how most asylum seekers reach Australia; in changing public attitudes; in what policies work, and which do more damage than good.

This book aims to bridge the troubled waters. Surveying a wide range of evidence, it presents new insights on how best to approach a major issue for Australia’s future.