Canada's immigration system may be slow and cumbersome, but it works. The line of passengers boarding a China-bound jet last week was proof of that.

Ninety Chinese migrants who arrived illegally last summer after crossing the Pacific in decrepit boats, were returning to their homeland, this time by air. They were among the 499 migrants who landed on the West Coast last year, hoping to take up new lives on this side of the ocean.

They were caught. They were given a chance a plead their case to stay in Canada before the Immigration and Refugee Board. Most have failed in their bid for refugee status. Now, after all appeals, they're being sent back by the Canadian government.

With last week's flight, 113 migrants have been returned to China. Another 50 are waiting for travel documents before they are sent home. Of the others, only 12 have been granted refugee status.

The process has been slow, no doubt. But there's been a process, which is more than some would have given these migrants.

The surprise appearance of their rusty boats off the West Coast sparked calls to get tough with illegal migrants, even if it meant sacrificing the long-held principles of fairness and compassion which underpin our immigration system.

Wisely, the government resisted.

One can't help but be moved by the plight of these migrants and their desperate - and costly - attempt at a better life. But they weren't fleeing persecution. They had no right to jump ahead of the many others who had legally applied to come to Canada for that very reason.

We can't tolerate queue-jumpers. Nor can we become a back door for those trying to sneak into the United States. Canada has shown that it's not going to be an easy haven for the snakeheads or their human cargoes.

With another smuggling season nearly upon us, that's an important message people both here and abroad should remember.