11.
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As regards the effect of all this on the community generally, it should be stated that there is a widespread feeling that illegal immigrants, especially young people, fail to adjust to life in Hong Kong and become social misfits and therefore tend to be attracted to crime. It is also recognised that the influx of large numbers of illegal immigrants is placing an increasing strain on social services and there are fears that it will threaten the stablity of Hong Kong society. Moreover the present policy of allowing evaders to remain is not generally understood.
12.
Firm measures will therefore be generally welcomed particularly if the resulting deterrent effect is manifest in decreasing numbers attempting to enter Hong Kong. There will be criticism in some quarter if the kind of measures described in para 4, notably the carrying of identity cards and their production in order to obtain employment, both on grounds of principle - the infringement of personal liberties and inconvenience. And those whose relatives and friends suffer as a result of these measures are likely to resist them. But the majority view in the community as a whole will be one of support.
Second Assumption
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13.
We assume that none of the measures in para 4 are carried out. In these circumstances, life becomes less difficult for the evader. Provided he behaves himself, the chances of coming to official notice are much less. Nevertheless, he will still have to live circumspectly and he may be tempted into illegal behaviour which he hopes will not come to light in order to live as well as indigenous neighbours. The attitude of the community at large would depend on how effective this less robust policy proved to be as a deterrent and as a means of detecting and returning evaders. People would be relieved by not being subjected to the inconvenience of the range of measures described in para 4 but would be disappointed and disturbed if the new policy turned out to be a paper tiger, unless it was believed to be merely the first step, with stronger action to follow.
Conclusion
14.
If it were decided to return evaders who come to notice, whether or not this decision was backed up by various enforcement measures, a substratum of society would be created. Some in this group would take to criminal
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