NZ First pushes for 20,000 migrant cap referendum, increased deportation powers

New Zealand First has announced a series of proposed immigration policy changes, including a push for a national referendum to cap annual net migration at 20,000. The party is also seeking to expand government deportation powers as part of a broader strategy to limit non-essential migration and restrict certain rights for non-citizens.

These proposals represent a significant shift in the party's platform, aiming to tighten current immigration settings. The initiative focuses on reducing overall migrant numbers and strengthening the state's authority to remove individuals, marking a move toward more restrictive immigration policies within the New Zealand political landscape.