Questions for JRS (2)

In the last paragraph of his Talking Point on illegal immigration (NGO Moderation, December 2) Fr Paul Pace writes that "we can only wonder why our society, so proud to be a part of the western, Christian and human rights tradition, chooses silence and 'moderation'".

I have no doubt that, precisely because they do adhere to the tradition Fr Pace refers to, most Maltese do wish to see the conditions in the detention centres improved and probably would not object to the government allocating the necessary resources for this purpose. This does not mean, however, that they wish to see their laws ignored and flouted by foreigners.

As is the case in most countries, Malta's immigration and citizenship laws are part of the structures designed, among other things, to preserve the Maltese people's political independence.

Under normal circumstances, I am sure that most Maltese would not object to an open-door policy, which is what the abandonment of detention would amount to.

But, in the existing circumstances, it would be folly to allow the establishment in Malta of very fast-growing foreign communities, many of whom would, for cultural reasons that are very difficult to change, have a hard time accepting our being part of that "western, Christian and human rights tradition" that Fr Pace mentions.

Unfortunately, the experience of other countries in this regard advises caution.