Safe countries and immigration

The problem here is how do we define 'safe' countries?

And more, how do we explain to allies, say Turkey or South Africa, that they are not 'safe'.

Imagine the debate over where Israel is placed regardless of whether it is 'safe' or not?

This may be the way to go -- and the system must be reformed root and branch -- but maybe a better system has screening at port of entry, security hold until a rapid determination and removal on failure?

The trouble there is you are imprisoning legitimate refugees (even briefly) and you may send people back to their deaths if the summary process fails.

Ottawa seeks to fast-track refugee claims from 'safe' nations

Norma Greenaway, National Post

OTTAWA -- The Harper government is readying for Parliament a package of reforms that for the first time could have Canada fast-tracking refugee claimants from countries where citizens are generally thought to be safe from persecution.

Though the proposal has yet to get the final nod from cabinet, Martin Collacott, a former Canadian diplomat who specializes in immigration issues, says such a move is long overdue.

"We are the only country in the world that will consider a [claim] from someone coming from the United States, from the Philippines, from Thailand, from South Korea," said Collacott, a senior fellow at the Fraser Institute.

The proposal envisions senior immigration officers hearing the refugee claimants from safe countries more quickly, thereby easing the load on the Immigration and Refugee Board. There would still be an appeal option, but it would be more streamlined than at present and would not necessarily involve another hearing.

...
"Essentially, an unsuccessful claimant who is determined to game the system can stay in Canada for several years with a work permit and/or welfare benefits, and this fundamentally undermines the fairness of our immigration system," Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said.

The stepped-up talk of reform follows a months-long, carefully orchestrated campaign, led by Kenney, to focus attention on a refugee system that almost everyone agrees needs repair.
...
Refugee advocates and New Democrats strongly oppose the idea of fast-tracking claimants from safe countries. They say naming safe countries will provoke a political firestorm at home and abroad and that there are better ways to improve the system.
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