More refugees depart for the US

Robert Agius

Sep 30th 2009, 00:34

@Dennis Catania

US promised to take 500 each year....then changed their minds after Malta got certain commitments.....

God bless the US after the 500 refugees have been departed :P

Joe Xuereb

Sep 29th 2009, 23:05

Passage to the USA via Malta? Aiding and abetting I call it. In reverse order. Malta is abetting and the USA is aiding. At risk of being accused of never being pleased. Yes, I am hard to please. Because this so-called solution whereby a country is being used as a stepping-stone for reaching a bigger, richer one where everything is laid on for these 'scappati di casa' (the runaways-from-home - I was a tourist in Rome ages ago and a street gypsy called me that. Never forgot the phrase. So picturisque). I digress. Everything laid on to the detriment of more needy indigenous people. And expecting them to assimilate and integrate seamlessly, and hopefully, in no time at all (well, in two short years' time), on the bible they will be swearing solidarity with, and allegiance to, the USA. The American Dream is still alive and kicking it seems. Maybe I am wrong in seeing this as mere plastering over the cracks. I hope I am wrong. Time, as always, will tell.

Mark Dawson

Sep 29th 2009, 21:49

Great stuff!

Another reason for immigrants to come to Malta, the prospect of moving to America.

When will we learn that all these helpers are merely offering incentives for immigrants to come to Malta. They are a magnet.

alfred curmi

Sep 29th 2009, 21:07

Shall we hold a referendum with the aim of becoming members of the United States? Barroso et al please note.

A. Hili

Sep 29th 2009, 20:38

To Denis and Joseph:
its Refugees that USA is taking not illegal immigrants...learn the huge difference there is between the two before leaving silly comments

D Cortis

Sep 29th 2009, 20:37

"Still, at least they are off Malta's hands and that is heartening I guess"..

I wouldn't be too sure about that. Do you think that the US just selected 17 at random? I have my doubts. With countries choosing which and how many refugees to take on, they are most likely to take the most skilled work force.

About 5 years ago many in Malta were discussing the 'pensions' problem as we are an ageing society and there wouldn't be enough workers in a few years times to sustain the increased number of elderly. All of a sudden we have the possibility of an increased work-force but are probably giving away the top men to other nations.

Martin Farrugia

Sep 29th 2009, 20:24

For that sad and bitter anti-African Maltese lobby, this shall serve as an example of irony at its most cruel as those lucky Somalis, who for weeks have suffered the undeserved ire of the closet quislings among us, will enjoy the transformation from being refugees without a country, to citizens of the greatest nation on earth.

God bless America.

Mark Cushcieri

Sep 29th 2009, 20:06

the only thing that is stopping them from coming at the moment is that with berlusconi's bribe..gaddafi has destroyed some boats and shipyards where they did the boats...and also fired at some boats at the border...once that stops they will come in hoardes for prospects in the US...i think it was better when we made sure they would not go to europe or anywhere prospective.

Ferdinand De Bargos

Sep 29th 2009, 19:34

@Denis, @ Joe, You took the 20 pieces of silver & joined the EU, with promises of millions of Euros to put into your infastructure, new roads, hospitals, jobs....Surely you must have realised that you would get a flood of economic migrants looking to freeload from the Maltese? No country wants or needs them. I'm afraid we are lumbered. Malta should have stayed an off-shore tax haven for the EU & spent heavilly on the tourist industry and clean the place up! Also, adopting the Euro was a HUGE mistake, how on earth can the Maltese live on an average wage of 150 euro? To quote Al Jolson, "You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet".

Bye Bye

Ferdinand

Graham Holme

Sep 29th 2009, 18:45

If a Maltese person applied to go to America,with the same perks as these illegals,and he,or she was refused,could they claim racism?
One rule for them,another for the rest of us.

Denis Catania

Sep 29th 2009, 18:30

If Malta can stop the illegals from coming in, it's looks like the U.S.A can solve Malta illegal immigration problem with or wothout the EU. God bless America.

Joe Xuereb

Sep 29th 2009, 18:30

Resettlement in USA with a two-year integration/assimilation induction period? I am not holding my breath. One can bring a horse to water but one can not make it drink. Still, at least they are off Malta's hands and that is heartening I guess. If I were Eritrean/Somalian in the USA particularly and elsewhere generally, and I was expected to assimilate and integrate, I would ask my host country to facilitate my return to my home country which should be helped to re-integrate me as its rightful citizen. There! problem solved with least hassle.
My partner and most of my colleagues and friends are black..........so if you're thinking what I think you may be thinking, don't even go there.

Joseph Calleja

Sep 29th 2009, 18:22

Once they arrive in the US, each refugee will be assigned a sponsor agency that provides initial services such as housing, food, and clothing, as well as referral to medical care, employment services, and other support during a transition period lasting up to two years in order to ensure integration and assimilation. That is a lot more than they do for the American Citizen. I guess they finally found a solution to the illegal immigration problem.
GO TO MALTA ILLEGALLY, AND YOU HAVE A GOOD CHANCE OF GOING TO THE USA, ALL EXPENSES PAID.
So now, Malta looks more attractive as a stepping stone to a better future. No wonder these illegal immigrants want to come to Malta.

joe scerri

Sep 29th 2009, 17:50

three times as much as our EU friends are ready to take....