Sound familiar?

I seem to remember a time in the not too distant past (Immigration Restriction Act, 1901-1973) when people of color were not permitted immigration status to Australia unless certain conditons were met - like having guaranteed meaningful employment. Some aspects of the original law were even "locally modified" in light of the turmoil in South Africa at the time. Specifically, the former British Colony (as is Australia) did not want in influx of people of color washing up on it's shores.

This particular story, making news as we enter the final days of the 2008 Presidential Election, is especially troublesome.