Batfink's Beep -- 09-19-07

Canada says: You have to take them, but we don't

September 20, 2007

***UPDATE***: The Canadian government is working to get the word out that they give no special treatment to Mexican refugees.

[Windsor Mayor Eddie] Francis said the problem has been exacerbated by websites encouraging Mexicans to head north to avoid the American crackdown. "The word is spreading like wildfire," he said. "The overarching message that's being communicated is that here in Canada you don't have to worry about the immigration authorities cracking down on illegal immigrants."

***End UPDATE***

Isn't this lovely? The local powers that be of Windsor, Ontario in Canada are all steamed because Mexican illegal immigrants are apparently leaving Florida for Windsor, Ontario, and in large enough numbers to put the hurt on the local social services budget.

"When there is a possibility of adding thousands to the local social assistance system as a result of refugee claimants crossing the border into Windsor, we will become overwhelmed and our current resources will not suffice," [Mayor Eddie] Francis wrote in a letter sent Wednesday to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

We sympathize. It isn't exactly cheap when they're hurting OUR social services budgets, either. It's not like they were being tortured back in the the native lands they fled, as the Canadian points out. As regards the matter of what are being termed "economic refugees', Canadian Immigration Refugee Board (IRB) spokesman Charles Hawkins says,

The fact someone wants to come here for better economic opportunity or a better quality of life ... that's no basis for a successful refugee claim."

Yes. Many people here feel the same way. People seeking escape from persecution back in their native countries is one thing. But taking in anyone who just wants a better life isn't really a practical solution when they show up in the numbers they do. We, as well as the Canadians, just can't afford it. But the interesting thing is how Mr. Francis isn't inclined to see us as co-sufferers in this matter of thousands upon thousands of people showing up to claim some of our bounty.

"I don't believe that Windsor's residents and taxpayers should have to foot the bill for U.S. immigration policy," Francis told The Star. He was referring to the suspected source of the problem -- a recently begun crackdown on illegal immigrants in economically struggling regions of the U.S. South.

Got it? They can't afford lots of people showing up just because the standard of living in Canada is apparently better than in Mexico. It's not enough of a reason to take in all comers. But apparently, when we can't afford it here, it's bad immigration policy.

And other Canadian politicians apparently agree with Mr. Francis:

"This is a problem the U.S. has allowed to create. It's really unfair for Canada to have to face this," said MP Joe Comartin (NDP -- Windsor-Tecumseh), his Party's public safety and national security critic. "This is very much being driven by (the U.S. Department of) Homeland Security," he said, predicting that, "with few exceptions," most of these "economic claimants" will eventually be sent back.

No. It's not fair for Canada to have to face this. Apparently, it is entirely fair for the US to, though. Nice.

So send them back, the MP says. But to where? The article makes clear that the 'refugees' in question were in Florida illegally in the first place, so you'd think the logical place would be to where they are citizens -- Mexico.

Who thinks that's what will happen?

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