From Hsia Hsiao-Chuan, Shih Hsin University sociologist:
"For Taiwanese to consider foreign spouses to be 'of inferior quality' is discriminatory. It also reflects domestic anxiety about the economic downturn and the growing gap between rich and poor, as well as the need to find a scapegoat"
James Hsueh, professor of sociology, NTU:
"There are 15 percent more men than women in Taiwan, so if everyone wanted to get married, out of 100 men there would be 15 who wouldn't be able to find a wife."
Looks like favoring male births has come back to bite.
In other news, Taipei Times reports that a draft law would expand rights, even for foreigners. Among the goodies for foreigners, it would make it easier for professionals to work in Taiwan, and give permanent residency to those making a certain amount of investment (amount not specified). Foreigners would also have the right to due process before being deported and be allowed to claim political asylum. However, this is part of the larger draft bill allowing referendums and gay marriage rights, so it's a long shot getting this passed anytime soon.
Back on the editorial page, the Taipei Times has not one but two editorials on the dangers of foreign brides. One starts out talking about sham marriages but gives the impression that all such marriages are bad news. The other focuses on the dangers posed by mainland spounses.
