Historian slams Finland's immigration and asylum policies
The Helsinki Times, October 5, 2009
http://www.helsinkitimes.fi/htimes/domestic-news/general/8242-historian-slams-finlands-immigration-and-asylum-policies-hs-.html
Timo Vihavainen, a historian, was quoted as saying by national daily Helsingin Sanomat on Sunday that immigration was such a taboo in Finland that any suggestion that migration might have a negative impact on Finland was dismissed as discriminatory.
'We have piously entertained the notion that immigrants will come here only to care the elderly, do other low-pay jobs and serve our consumption society without consuming much themselves,' Dr Vihavainen was quoted as saying.
He went on to criticise Finland's asylum policy as well.
'Political asylum is a right traditionally extended to persecuted people. Likewise of course it is their duty to go back once asylum is no longer required.'
Dr Vihavainen said the fine for incitement to racial hatred imposed on Jussi Halla-aho was 'shocking' and added that his fellow scholar at the University of Helsinki had been ostracised for speaking the truth.
