There's Also An Immigration Debate Down Under

While the debate over immigration boils here in the U.S., it's also going on in Australia.

Responding to a court challenge from human rights groups, the government there said today it will not return a group of asylum seekers to the Sri Lankan government without three days notice. The court hearing came after Australia said it had already turned over another group of asylum seekers to the Sri Lankan Navy.

The human rights groups say the people seeking refuge in Australia are Tamils and could face persecution if they have to return to Sri Lanka, where they waged a five-year civil war with the government.

The BBC's Phil Mercer joins Here & Now's Robin Young with details.

Note: Please download the Here & Now podcast or use the WBUR app to hear this interview.