Madam, - Much of the discussion about the deportation of failed asylum seekers is based on emotion, not on facts or legal realities.
Phrases such as "global citizens" and "crime against humanity" are used (Aidan Regan, March 17th) about the latest deportations, but the legal process and the facts must be the only arbiter of who stays and who does not.
If emotion and sympathy are the guidelines, a case can be made for not deporting anyone. For all asylum seekers can claim abuse, terror, economic privation and a host of other reasons why they should stay, most of which will be difficult to prove one way or the other.
The one undeniable fact is that, as there are no direct links by air or sea between Nigeria and Ireland, all Nigerian asylum seekers entered Ireland via third countries, mainly European. Therefore, under the terms of the Dublin Convention they should have sought asylum in the first safe European state in which they landed
For an immigration and asylum process to work, and be seen to work, deportations are essential. People who have claimed asylum and had their claim rejected after due process must accept that deportation is the logical outcome. Likewise, those who are grated residency should be welcomed and treated fairly. Asylum seekers, their advocates and the Irish people must accept this.
Charity, whether Christian, humanist or otherwise, should play a part in the process, but only in the sense that all people should be treated with dignity and respect. But to allow people to remain in the State based solely on their humanity would be a flawed ideal as the entire system of decision-making would become arbitrary and open to abuse.
Why should charity be extended to one and not all? If charity were to be shown to all, insofar as we are all "global citizens" the State's immigration and asylum policy would be worthless. - Yours, etc.,
TREVOR TROY, Connaught Place, Athboy, Co Meath.