cerhob, I agree. The number and rate of acceptance has to be balanced against the urgency of the situation for the refugees, and the capacity to accept them without creating more problems than are being fixed. The urgency of the situation will depend on what has actually occurred to create the refugees, and the response of other concerned nations. Irrespective of the circumstances, it is unlikely that the entire population of a country is going to become refugees. Some are going to have no choice, I assume that most of those forced out of their homeland by circumstances would like to be able to return there if possible, thus being able to temporarily accomodate them in neighbouring countries and preparing for their eventual return should be the objective of the exercise. However, human nature being what it is, there will be those that will take advantage of the situation and use the opportunity to find a better life elsewhere. If they find that they can give themselves a better chance of getting into a country by the back door, few people are going to sit back and not try. Therefore I see the people in detention, particularly if there is a large amount of negative press that travels around the world, are serving the purpose of sending a message to any people wanting to make a new life here, is that they will have more chances of doing so legally rather than illegally. All those that create publicity by lobbying for the detainees to be allowed to enter the country are giving false hope to many, who perhaps will decide to risk everything and try when there is no hope of success at all. A clear and consistent message should be sent if we really do have the interests of such people at heart.
