In the wake of the controversial voter decision to ban further minaret construction in Switzerland, the SVP (Swiss People's Party) has launched a signature petition to vote on the question of deporting immigrants who have committed crimes.
http://www.eutimes.net/2009/12/new-swiss-referendum-to-deport-all-criminal-immigrants/
For years now, criminal immigrants have used the Swiss provision of political asylum to gain entry into the country and have badly abused their presence. It would seem reasonable that any immigrant in any land who committed a crime should be kicked out-including the US.
I must say, however, that I don't care for the picture that appears in the news story. A placard like that obviously appeals to feelings against non-whites and can only discredit the movement. I know nothing about the SVP other than they are accused of being anti-immigrant.
As I have said many times before, there is nothing wrong with immigration per se as long as the new arrivals come legally, obey the laws, assimilate and accept the values of the new country. As one who has traveled (and worked) extensively in Switzerland, I know that there are many immigrants who are deserving of staying in the country. Unfortunately, however, there are many who are not. Once they are removed, the atmosphere will be a hundred times better for the good immigrants. No longer would they have the shadow of suspicion and distrust over their heads.
Like the minaret vote, all of Europe will be watching this movement very closely.
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2 comments:
Gary, I haven't followed Switzerland's problems that much, but I know that some people in Germany feel the same way. I am just asking, what do you do with the families of a criminal? Do you let them stay or send them back too? They might be perfect citizens, go to school or work, now you are sending the father or brother back to ... where? The Nazi's called that "Sippenhaft" as you well know. Punish the whole clan. There has to be a better way.
What should we do with "American" criminals? Maybe one day we'll send them back to where their families came from.
Ingrid,
Your point is well taken. It is a dilemma. But the families have a choice. They can remain in country if legally entitled to do so or join their family member in the old country. No one is forcing them to do either.
I know what Sippenhaft was. For the benefit of those who don't, it was a legal provision used by the Nazis to arrest and punish family members of those who were arrested for "treason" (resistance to the Nazis). I really don't think it is a valid comparison.
Don't forget also that marriage is commonly used as a scam by criminal/illegal immigrants to protect themselves from deportation.
The bottom line to me is that every country should have the power to deport immigrant lawbreakers and not be legally forced to allow them to remain in the country.
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