True, they're entering Australia's territory illegally, in that they don't have visas. Once their claims for asylum are processed, most of them are found to be legitimate refugees and allowed to stay.
If you look at the other ad in this segment, also here on youtube, you will see a compassionate pitch to think of "boat people" as simply PEOPLE. People who are desperate enough to risk their lives to ensure a better future for themselves and their family.
How are they "Illegal Immigrants"?
They are asylum seekers.
True, they're entering Australia's territory illegally, in that they don't have visas. Once their claims for asylum are processed, most of them are found to be legitimate refugees and allowed to stay.
Tony Abbott doesn't care about them...