Not illegal to seek asylum

In the YEP letters (August 18), reader Martin McFadden writes to take exception with an explanation I wrote with regard to his and other people's misunderstanding of what constitutes an illegal immigrant.

- Tony Winstanley, Castleford

He says that he read my letter several times so I find it strange that he thinks that I support anybody coming to this country to live if they do not meet the criteria needed.

I could not have been clearer in saying that anyone fleeing persecution, in its various forms, must present themselves to the authorities and then have their claim processed, at which point, if their claim is bogus then their application fails.

Absolutely nowhere do I say that all refugee/asylum seekers should be allowed to stay in this country.