Mar 18, 2009

Britain, France To Build Immigrant Camp



The governments of France and Britain plan to build a new detention center in Calais for would-be immigrants trying to get into Britain.

The two governments have also agreed to share the cost of chartered airplanes to return the migrants to their homelands, The Times of London reported Wednesday.



About 500 people are believed to be living illegally in Calais, waiting for a chance to cross the English Channel. About 10 make the trip every day.

Phil Woolas, the British immigration minister, announced plans for the detention center during testimony Tuesday before the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee.

"We want to increase the profile of deportations because we have to get the message back to Afghanistan and Iraq that Britain is not the Promised Land," Woolas said. "We are in a 24-hour-a-day war with the traffickers."

France shut the Sangatte center operated by the Red Cross near Calais seven years ago because it appeared to be attracting would-be immigrants. (c) UPI



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