You mean the numbers that Jolinar made up? That was pretty compelling, I agree. Until you realize that he doubled the number of Mexican asylum seekers and then invented imaginary costs for the rest of the numbers based on inside information that only he has but which can't be verified by the rest of us.
If you don't think the arguments being made in favour of this have the flavour and feel of a moral panic, then I respectfully disagree. You can package moral panics in all sorts of rhetoric, but if you don't think this has anything to do with the political rhetoric of nativism that is currently favoured by the Conservatives... well, let's just say that once again I respectfully disagree.
As for the heretofore hypothetical international effects, we're already seeing them--and it's getting a little chilly out there:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/...s-refugee.html
Also, for those who claim that there will be no administrative headache (see link above):
I sure hope this is worth it!
In any case, here's a "supported" argument for you. If instituting a visa requirement makes it harder to seek asylum, why not lift the visa requirement for those nations that according to Kenney have more "legitimate" asylum claimants?
The Czechs, meanwhile, have recalled their ambassador. Yeah, they're not upset at ALL.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/...as-mexico.html
Note also that the EU is entering the fray, since this restriction affects an EU member.
Great idea, Kenney.
