Invalid comparison

In the editorial We Were Emigrants Too (July 21) The Times made the point that we should be more tolerant of the illegal immigrants finding their way to our shores, because not so long ago we also emigrated to Canada, Australia, etc. and were, "welcomed with open arms".

This comparison does not hold water and is far from being a valid one. Those of our compatriots who emigrated to other countries did so legally and were in possession of every necessary valid document required under the laws of the chosen country. More importantly, we were "welcomed with open arms" purely because these countries were encouraging an influx of immigrants either because of labour shortages or due to a process of development at that particular time.

It therefore suited their purpose to open their doors wide. Those of us who settled in other countries were welcomed definitely not out of charity or because the authorities there wanted to be kind, as the editorial seems to imply. All the countries the Maltese settled in now have a much more stringent policy in accepting new settlers as opposed to that which existed years ago.

All the countries the Maltese settled in were giants both in size and from an economic point of view when compared to miniscule Malta. Consequently, no purpose will be served by trying to get people to accept a situation that is definitely detrimental to them and to their well being by playing on their conscience. Facts are facts and must be faced irrespective of how noble our conscience or feelings may be.