A few days ago, I commented on evidence of plain common sense being applied to some of Canada's new immigration policies for handling the influx of temporary foreign workers and contrasted it with the apparent lack of such sense in any number of legislative proposals and interest group outcries in our own country.
Classic evidence of the lack of common sense in our country — including the mainstream media — can be found in Mark Krikorian's recent post, "Least Convincing Immigration Sob Story Ever". On one level, the "human interest" story on which the post is based is pathetic and shabby, and the journalist who wrote the story must have the tone-deaf sensibilities of Mr. Potato Head to think that the alien who is the subject of the article would incur sympathy from most anyone. On another level, though, it is hilarious, as Mr. Krikorian's dry, mordant wit shows us.
Compare that individual's conduct with what is expected of aliens in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to a pair of articles this month, in the Gulf News and The Immigration News, UAE officials are electronically "wiring" together their visa system with others having to do with taxes, fees, fines, and penalties.
Foreigners living within the borders of the UAE may have their permits canceled and will not receive renewals or extensions of their visas without fully paying government debts and obligations, up to and including traffic fines. They may not even be permitted to leave the country until those issues are resolved.
Well, as I live and breathe!
A country that expects aliens to pay their taxes, fulfill their debts, and honor the criminal and traffic laws. In short, a country that is taking steps to ensure aliens obey the same laws, in the same way, as citizens.
Can you imagine that? It's easy if you try. Why not here?