International students say ‘we’ve not come here illegally’ after Peter Dutton makes ‘boat arrivals’ comparison

Opposition leader's comments on 2GB prompt warnings unwelcome atmosphere' will deter people from studying in Australia

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Raghav Motani knew he would be paying $70,000 in student fees for his two-year master's degree in Australia. He knew about the visa processing fees, insurance policy, health coverage and expensive housing - $800 a fortnight.

But when the University of Technology Sydney's international student officer heard the opposition leader, Peter Dutton, had compared him and his peers to the modern version of boat arrivals", he had some questions.