Australia's resettlement of Syrian refugees is tinged with déjà vu

A government that seemingly privileges particular refugees on account of their religion? A prime minister who agrees to a resettlement program after coming under pressure from state premiers? An immigration department instructed to select only refugees who aren't likely to cause problems when resettled in Australia? A public moved by the image of a boy? Australia has been here before. Many features of Australians' and their government’s current response to the Syrian refugee crisis are familiar. Drawing largely on my recent book, Across the Seas: Australia’s Response to Refugees, here are three examples.