May 16, 2000
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Refugee system works
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.
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