You feel like you couldn't [complain about racism], and then all of a sudden you feel isolated and you feel oh I am the minority and you think, am I really a New Zealander? And then the negative feelings start coming back, and that's really bad. (Chinese focus group) Participants described other barriers to reporting racism that included concerns complaints could impact on visa and immigration status and employment prospects. Some participants noted that language barriers, cultural values, beliefs and recognition of authority and status prevented people from responding to and reporting racist experiences. Asian participants noted feeling vulnerable and targeted because others knew they had poor English and were unable to stand up for themselves and assumed they would shy away from conflict. On a work or temporary visa, you speak out, people are afraid they will be deported straightaway. So, immigration status has a big part to play. (Provider) There will be different people with different feels. Because at the time “Oh he's older than me, I need to respect this guy, so I need to stay quiet”. All those values as a Pacific Islander or as a Christian will come to play, “If I talk now, I'm talking back - I'm disrespecting this guy”. (Tuvaluan focus group) In the public, they showing very aggressive and hypercritical stance assuming the Asian people will shy away from any conflicts, and due to the language or cultural barrier…I think it’s a type of bullying mixed with harassment. (Provider) My English is very poor for my second year in New Zealand. I have a lot to say but even when I want to say it, I can't, because I have to speak in English. So, I have to ignore racism. (Chinese focus group) Many participants also noted that where migrants were confident enough to complain, their reports and experiences were often minimised, and considered inconsequential, thus responses to their complaint were ineffective. Others noted how previous attempts to educate others about diversity and other cultures were or could be ineffectual among people who were stuck in their ways. It was reported to the police and the police just belittled it and didn't think much of it. Where's the injury? Where's the harm? The harm is here [points to heart]. But they can't see that. (Indian focus group) 5.3.3. Social connections Fear and disengagement: Participants provided examples of migrants avoiding engagement in society and being themselves because of a fear (for themselves and their children) of being targeted, persecuted and exposed to racism. My mum can’t speak English as much as well and she is so scared to go out. She'll either have to call me or one of our siblings to go with her to her appointments and stuff. (Kiribati focus group) www.malatest-intl.com Drivers of racism – March 2021 61