Safer ways to claim asylum

I resent Eileen Ridden’s comment that some peoples’ thought on immigrants are ‘why don’t they stay in their own countries and be killed’.

No one in their right mind would have such a thought.

I have many dear immigrant friends of all races, nationalities, sexual orientation and religion.

However. I find it difficult when people flee in terror of their lives and make it to the safety and sanctuary of Europe, then want

to put their livcs and those of their children, at extreme risk by crossing one of the busiest shipping lanes in unsuitable craft and normally unlit in the dark.

Maybe a safer plan would be claim asylum when they land in Europe, if successful, achieve citizenship there and then apply to legally live here, making the crossing by boat, train, car or air.

This is the route all of my immigrant friends have done and regularly return to their native country to visit their families.

I am not angry, merely concerned.

David C. Savory