Former US President Ronald Regan
once said that “A nation that cannot control its borders is not a nation”. For
years, successive governments in this country have failed to adequately control
our borders and have failed to effectively address the long standing socio-economic
problems stemming from the movement of illegal migrants across our borders. The
absence of firm and fair immigration policy has given rise to resentment,
anger, hatred, frustration and fear that has, particularly in recent weeks, spilled
over in the public domain.
On November 1, this Christie led
administration took the first of what will undoubtedly be a series of difficult
steps to securing sustainability for future generations of Bahamians.
As a former Minister of Immigration,
I understand all too well the challenges associated with this process.
Regardless of those challenges however, THE
LAWS OF THE BAHAMAS MUST BE CARRIED OUT! While the Democratic National
Alliance commends the government for finally taking seriously its
responsibility to protect our borders, this issue cannot – as has been the case
with other matters – be allowed to become overly politicized or emotionalized.
Instead, a sound and humane approach which does not destroy the dignities of
our fellow brothers and sisters –particularly children – should be taken to
facilitate immigration reform in this country.
As Bahamians, we can no longer
abdicate responsibility for the role successive administrations have played in
allowing this matter to grow and intensify. We must not pretend that systemic
corruption within the Department of Immigration which has manifested in the
sale of passports and travel documents, the bribery of immigration officers,
the over-charging of applicants and the general exploitation of the current
system, has not also contributed to the critical situation which now exists.
It must be noted that while Haitian
migrants continue to make up a large segment of the country’s illegal immigrant
population, Haitians should not be the sole target of such efforts. With that
in mind the DNA calls for balance on the part of officials as they work to weed
out persons of ALL nationalities living and working in the Bahamas illegally.
As these efforts continue, the DNA calls for calm from Bahamian citizens and
legal residents as immigration officials work to carry out their duties as
mandated by law. We should all refrain from making derogatory and/or negative
comments about any group of people on social media or any other forum but must
work along with the government to ensure the success of these new initiatives.
As part of its push this government
must also focus on a bi-partisan approach to formulating a clear and concise
immigration policy. A policy which targets not only illegals but those who
harbor, aid and abet them as well. As an addition to the current policy
changes, the DNA recommends that the government go a step further by enacting
legislation which would bring about the swift prosecution to those Bahamians
found harboring those here illegally. The law must also hold repercussions for
legal residents who also harbor illegals including the possible revocation of
their legal status.
During a press conference to be held
on Thursday November 6, 2014, The DNA will present its full position on the
current immigration policies and future changes to the law as well.
Certainly the failures of former
governments are now wreaking havoc on our modern day Bahamas. The many issues
resulting from illegal immigration did not occur overnight and will not be
solved overnight. It will take a sustained effort on the part of all the
relevant authorities and Bahamians across the country. Decisive and Balanced
Action must be taken as we work to protect our country for generations of
Bahamians to come.
Branville McCartney
DNA Leader