Quote:
Originally Posted by Iowa_Flames_Fan
They are, a bit--though I sense, not deliberately so. Perhaps the Czech visa should be included as a separate question?
Also, looking more closely at the numbers--the 9400 refugee claimants from Mexico is over a four year period, so it's even fewer people than I thought. The Czech number--about 3000 since 2007--is smaller, but not by as much as I initially thought just glancing at the numbers.
Combined, it's a smidge less than a quarter of all refugee claimants. Not a huge number by any stretch of the imagination. Also, it's probably unfair to as a blanket rule claim that since these are "Western Democracies" their claims are likely to be illegitimate. Something like 40% of the Czech applicants are eventually approved--that's pretty substantial. For the others, a system is already in place to return them to their home countries. As for Mexico, significant human rights abuses have taken place there. Canada has a track record of ignoring this, but that doesn't make it any less true:
http://www.ccrweb.ca/eng/media/press.../12april07.htm
According to Minister Kenney, Roma peoples in the CR don't face "persecution." They face "discrimination." This sort of hair-splitting is what turns politics into empty sophistry. When I said Kenney was "stupid"--that was wrong. I should have been more clear. Kenney is in over his head--his hamhanded response to this issue clearly demonstrates that he'd be better suited to another, less sensitive portfolio, where he might be less apt to create enemies abroad when his missteps blow up in his face.
We have a reputation as a compassionate nation. This is a good thing; let's not screw it up. |
The 9400 is not over a 4 year period. It is one year, 2007 numbers I believe. Edit: Must be 2008 numbers.
And if a moderator feels like adding the Czech question as well, please feel free. I should have had it originally but my primary concern was the Mexican VISA requirement.