Regarding the Oct. 16 letter "The challenge of compassion": Maurizio Maifredi, speaking of refugees, says "We cannot, in good conscience, open our borders daily to tourism, trade and economic activities then close them to human tragedies."
There's no contradiction here, as (1) tourists don't stay forever, and (2) I know from Britain's experience that the great majority of refugees and asylum-seekers who make it to our shores are bogus, seeking nothing more than a higher standard of living rather than sanctuary. Indeed, those in most dire need simply do not have the wherewithal to travel halfway around the globe to get to Britain.
A recent example: A man came illegally to Britain about four years ago from Sierra Leone and subsequently became a professional footballer. He faced deportation to his native country, but claimed he faced death, mutilation, etc. Our Home Office swallowed the story and last December gave him leave to remain. It has just been reported that this man debuted on the football field in Africa -- for the Sierra Leone national team.
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