This just pisses me off

[pinched from here]

Toss 'em. Already tried, already denied, already deported, came back illegally, he's a criminal, and we don't want to be the world's dumping ground for miscreants.

Refugee claimant who left church sanctuary to remain in custody

An Israeli refugee claimant who was arrested for speeding after leaving the sanctuary of a church basement in Newfoundland will remain in custody for at least another week, an immigration panel ruled Friday. Alex Portnoy had been living at a Marystown Roman Catholic Church with his family since early October. Portnoy will be held for a week until a review determines if there is new evidence in his case or an alternate way of dealing with his plea to remain in the country, the panel ruled in St. John's.

Portnoy admitted he made a "stupid" error by leaving the church basement Wednesday night, when RCMP officers arrested him for speeding in Grand Bank, another town on the Burin Peninsula on Newfoundland's south coast. He said he was trying to help a friend collect clothing for the Canadian Diabetes Association.

"If I'm looking back now – it's a very stupid move. For a father of four children, it's a very stupid move," said Portnoy, who was accompanied by his lawyer at the panel hearing.

Canada Border Services Agency had a warrant issued for Portnoy, who had been deported in the 1990s and then returned to Canada. Technically, churches provide no legal protection for refugee claimants through sanctuary, but federal officials have not apprehended any claimants who have sought protection in them.

Moody Lsayaed, the friend Portnoy attempted to help, said he tried to stop Portnoy from leaving the church. However, he said, his friend needed to get out for a while.

"In three months, [he has done] absolutely nothing, other than sitting next to his wife. It's not fair," he said. "He feels like he's in jail. He can't even breathe. You know, it's too much."

Portnoy said he does not want to be returned to Israel in part because his children would face mandatory military service. Immigration officials have repeatedly rejected the family's application because Portnoy has a criminal record. He was convicted of stealing a vehicle in Israel.

net babies

One of the things I love most about LJ is how so many of the guys with whom I "grew up" in #bearcave on EFnet and on the BML have migrated here as well.

I remember, in particular, the thoughtful postings of bitterlawngnome: I've always been impressed by his passion and individuality. Even way back when he was living in the midwest, glovercom was already a hilarious goofball--who used humour to make many a good point. And that_dang_otter? Well he always made me think...sometimes in ways I'd never considered before. Which was often a good thing.

I also feel that we've all matured into men over that time. Most of our rough edges have worn down, and we also seem to be much more comfortable in our own skins...and respectful of others whose paths are different.

So thanks guys--these guys and so many more of you who I first encountered in other parts of the ether. My life has been enhanced by knowing you.