While the political candidates debate their individual
stances on immigration in America, it would be prudent to see what’s going on
elsewhere with countries taking in those seeking asylum from the Middle East.
Interestingly, Sweden is preparing to deport up to 80,000 of
last year’s record number of asylum seekers, according to Interior Minister
Anders Ygeman in an interview with business daily Dagens Industri newspaper last week. Ygeman said he estimated about 60,000 to
80,000 of the 163,000 people who sought asylum last year would be expelled and
either leave voluntarily or be forcibly deported.
The government fears many of those will go into hiding, Dagens Industri reported, and police are
increasing their work to find and expel those.
“We have a big challenge ahead of us. We will need to use more resources for this
and we must have better cooperation between authorities,” Ygeman was quoted as
saying.
Last week, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven promised more
resources for police to deal with the increased workload because of the refugee
situation.
Sweden reversed its open doors-policy on immigration late
last year and has introduced border controls and identification checks to stem
the flow of asylum seekers.
What’s happened in Sweden makes me think of clichés such as:
“buyers beware” … “buyer’s remorse” … “count the cost” … “check the depth
before you dive.” America – There is
some wisdom to be found in these trite expressions; and Sweden’s experience
(and that of other European nations) should be a lesson to U.S.!
Rev. Dr.
Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.
Chaplain
(Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army
Pastor,
Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel
Compassion for refugees is a fundamental American trait. However refugees must be not only respectful of our laws but also grateful for helping them in a time when they had no other choice. It must go both ways or the world will find our compassion wanting.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, thanks for the bulletin insert a couple of weeks ago. I especially was impressed with the 100 year old athlete. WOW!