Dr Wayne Mapp
National Immigration Spokesperson
17 March 2004
If in doubt, kick them out
The Immigration Minister must explain why the residency visas of the three people identified as security risks have not
been revoked, says National's Immigration Spokesperson, Dr Wayne Mapp.
Richard Woods, Director of the Security Intelligence Service, revealed yesterday that of the 26,000 citizenship
applicants, three had been declined due to security concerns, but they remain in the country.
The main concern of the SIS is that New Zealand will serve as a 'safe haven', harbouring international terrorists.
"Any threat to our security or the security of our neighbours is simply unacceptable," says Dr Mapp.
"To say that we avoid 'safe haven' status simply by denying citizenship to potential terrorists is absurd when the same
people have permanent residency.
"The role of the Immigration Service and the SIS is to screen potential migrants and visitors to this country and to
prevent the entry of anyone posing any risk. If we let people stay who pose a security risk, not only do we put our own
population at risk, but we have provided 'safe haven' status that puts other countries at risk.
"Mr Woods has used his powers sparingly and carefully. The Minister of Immigration must take the Director's view on
board. If these people should not have citizenship, they should not have residency," says Dr Mapp.
Ends