A journal on socialist thought started by former defence minister George Fernandes – “The Other Side” – has a curious observation on how illegal immigrants are treated in different countries. The best, of course, is on India and saved for the end.
In North Korea they get 12 years of hard labour, unless Bill Clinton saves you. In Afghanistan, they are shot. In Iran, they are detained for life. In Saudi Arabia, they are jailed. In China, they are never seen again. In Venezuela, they are deemed a spy.
But what about India? Well, you get a ration card, a passport, s driver’s licence, voter identification, job reservation, a Haj subsidy, free education, housing subsidy…
