The many articles and letters regarding the illegal immigration issue have led to the real issue becoming somewhat obscured. Unfortunately, most letters are no more than repetitive ramblings, or personal attacks on the columnists. Moreover, the word “racist” is being used in a reckless fashion. Racism is in fact not the problem. The problem is the current situation regarding the illegal influx of immigrants. This problem isn’t solved by adopting an attitude reminiscent of the Ku Klux Klan days in the USA, and neither is it solved by preaching full acceptance of race, colour and creed.

In an utopian world, all immigrants would be accepted with open arms, which is the morally correct approach. However, law and morals do not agree on every point. The fact remains that the immigrants are illegal.

Moreover, the apparent uneasiness felt with regard to the immigrants being granted refugee status is caused by their behaviour. This pattern of behaviour is the result of their different culture. Labelling anyone who is thoughtful enough to worry about the eventual problems a racist, which the presence of a mixed community could create for the Maltese, is rather foolish. If the immigrants are not discriminated against because of their race, but because of the behaviour of their masses and the problems they cause, then it is not racism – it is merely wanting to avoid trouble.

The radical viewpoints of dismissing any different race on the one hand, and preaching complete acceptance on the other, are poorly thought-out, useless and puerile. Radical ideology and humanitarian ideals should be set apart, and the essence of the problem should be debated, both at national and European Union level.

Massimo Costa

PEMBROKE