Do we let them drown?

To say that I am concerned on immigration is to state the obvious. Were I not, I would have just turned a blind eye and concentrated on other, less controversial, more vote-catching, issues.

But there is one challenge that I find even more grave than that of immigration. And this is the impact that this phenomenon is leaving on the very social fabric of our society as a result of the rising tide of xenophobia and racism.

These feelings, which are now commonplace among the men and women in the street, are being whipped up by various quarters. From the commentaries on the web-based version of this prestigious paper to the rhetoric of some prominent people, in politics and outside, who should know better.

Just consider this fact.

A vast majority of immigrants arriving in Malta do not actually come here, still less want to. They are saved at sea by our Armed Forces, by fishing boats or by ships when they find themselves in distress. And since the country from which they embarked, Libya, refuses to take them back, we have to bring them to shore here in Malta. (Much the same applies in Lampedusa, where arrivals have topped the 15,000 mark this year.)

This means that we have no choice whatsoever as to the number who come here every year for the simple reason that most of them are saved at sea. So, if anything, our Armed Forces should be lauded for engaging, every day, on our behalf, in perilous and heroic missions that save lives, hundreds of lives every year.

But I hear very little of that.

Now if, for the sake of argument, Malta had to ignore its moral and legal obligation to save them, we would be looking at far more manageable numbers reaching our shores every year. Perhaps around just one quarter of the 2,400 who arrived this year.

But, of course, letting people - be they Maltese or African - drown at sea is not an option, at least, not for a civilised European country that we claim to be.

So populist statements to the effect that we must refuse entry to illegal immigrants or that we should push back their boats to the point of departure, knowing full well that Libya is not accepting them, are very dangerous by far. And, when put in the context that not doing so would betray our national interest, these statements become truly inflammatory.

For perhaps innocently or perhaps less so, perhaps unwittingly or perhaps knowingly, such statements suggest, imply or insinuate that immigrants should be left to their own fate; to drown at sea.

Let me be clear. I, for one, find these suggestions nauseating.

And at this rate we risk going down a slippery slope into the abyss of racism and xenophobia.

It may well have started as some sort of joke, innocently watching funny snippets of seditious speeches made by some eccentric individual. Then it turned into gatherings, YouTube and even songs and messages making the rounds on the net. Before you know it, it's out of control.

Many people write to me to express their apprehension about immigration. Fair enough. They claim that they are not racist. Probably they mean it. But then they go on to state that we should not let them in. And even in the words and the feelings expressed, they suggest that immigrants are lesser beings.

Claims are also made to the effect that there are too many of them, that they have mobile phones, are well dressed, are not even tired when they land in Malta, that we pay through our noses for their food and accommodation (in detention), that they reduce the price of property in the neighbourhood...

Worst of all, claims are made that immigrants pose a threat to our religion and to our identity without the slightest realisation that these very words are completely out of synch with both of them.

We have to be very careful in the choice of words. These words dehumanise immigrants and induce fear and hatred of foreigners. Hence, racism and xenophobia, which are now a real and present danger for our society. And the sooner we shake them off the better.

But pray, where have our values gone? Where is the Church in all this? Where are the intellectuals? Where is our government's educational campaign? And where are the Socialist principles of many a Labour columnist whose writings befit the ravings of the far right in Europe?

All those who are truly moderate and progressive should stand up against xenophobia and racism.

The question is: Are we ready to stand up to be counted?

Readers who would like to ask questions to be answered in this column can send an e-mail, identifying themselves, to contact@simonbusuttil.eu or through www.simonbusuttil.eu.

Dr Busuttil is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.