"I knew there were people who fled political oppression in Haiti and that they were entitled to asylum," the Mayor said.

Only during the 1976-1983 military dictatorship, which saw many students, intellectuals, artists, and left-wing activists flee brutal oppression, did Argentina previously see such significant emigration.

African countries, historically generous to refugees - especially when they were fleeing colonial oppression - are now balking at the burden.

Those workers were Irish emigrants fleeing the famine and oppression in their native country in the first half of the 1800's.

Many families are fleeing political oppression or poverty.

Like most Nicaraguans here, they emigrated within the last decade, fleeing political oppression or seeking jobs in the United States.

Lovers fleeing political oppression tempt fate by trying to cross a bridge to safety.

Laura, who is a doctor, decides to remain in Thailand treating refugees fleeing oppression.

We Europeans have historical debts and links with Argentina, with those people who fled hunger or oppression.

The Government argues that most of the so-called boat people are in fact fleeing economic hardship rather than political oppression.