Maiden Speech - Immigrants

The Straits Times (Singapore)November 9, 2006
Will they use S'pore as a temporary stopover?
by Theresa Tan

CONCERNS that Singapore may be used by newcomers as a 'springboard' to better offers elsewhere are valid and should be addressed, said new MP Christopher de Souza (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC).

Making this point in his maiden speech yesterday, he said that with the country's move to woo immigrants, Singaporeans, more than ever, need assurances that they remain the Government's top priority.

After all, legitimate concerns voiced by those in Mr de Souza's ward include: Will the immigrants' sons perform national service here? Or will they leave for greener pastures after some time?

To allay these concerns, he asked the Government to make clear that new citizens have to be subject to the same rules as Singaporeans.

For example, new citizens must give up their original passport, in exchange for the red one.

He added: 'The policy is like marriage, where the parties vow to forsake all others.'

Immigrants' sons also have to serve NS when they come of age, just like Singaporeans.

Some Singaporeans have expressed unease since Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced plans at the National Day Rally in August to proactively attract immigrants here to boost the population and economy.

They fear these foreigners will take away jobs and create social problems.

...

[Amy Khor] and Mr de Souza also called on the Singaporeans to help the newcomers settle in. She said they must have 'no hesitation in welcoming foreigners with open arms, if they feel the Government and other stakeholders are doing all they can to ensure that locals are not disadvantaged'.

I'm glad that he's acknowledging the concerns of foreigners using Singapore as a springboard nation. However, it's no more than what the PM already acknowledged in his rally. Suggesting that foreigners should take up citizenship and do NS is good, but to be honest, I really don't see how that changes anything. Foreigners who are merely working here don't need citizenship. And you're certainly not about to get them to do NS.

Shouldn't the greater question be - why don't foreigners want citizenship?

Also, this Singaporean is going to want more than "reassurances" that my job is protected. I'm not worried about my job being protected - I'm more pissed off at the idea that it's legal to discriminate me in terms of pay and promotion because I was born here.

Yo, homeboy! You're down with street, but you ain't got no meat.