BRITISH IMMIGRATION POLICY
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Media coverage of the new coalition government's attempts to reduce the level of immigration has been disappointing. It has focussed on the ineffectiveness of the proposals, making a lot of noise about the proposed measures having little impact on immigration figures. The emphasis has been on how to control immigration, not on why it should be done, as if establishing the need for immigration control was a done deed. It is far from it, as the latest protests over quotas for skilled immigrant workers demonstrates. Employers are pointing out that they need such skills, that the proposed cuts will hurt the national economy. The government is vacillating, saying there will be numerous exceptions to protect the national economy. Doesn't this show clearly that immigration, in this case at least, is not a dark shadow falling over the land?
But rumours now abound that to make up for concessions on skilled workers, foreign students will be targeted. Here again, the media point out that any restrictions on non-EU students will not reduce the overall figures by much. But this is not the point. What benefit accrues to the nation from turning away financially independent, talented students who are providing much needed support for our struggling higher education sector? What is to be gained from turning down the opportunity to introduce future leaders all over the world to our values and culture? What kind of sense does it make?
Even looking from a selfish nationalist point of view, the value of immigration control is far from proven. And if we take the generous of view of a true world citizen, is there any valid reason to put up the shutters and man the barricades? You tell me!
But rumours now abound that to make up for concessions on skilled workers, foreign students will be targeted. Here again, the media point out that any restrictions on non-EU students will not reduce the overall figures by much. But this is not the point. What benefit accrues to the nation from turning away financially independent, talented students who are providing much needed support for our struggling higher education sector? What is to be gained from turning down the opportunity to introduce future leaders all over the world to our values and culture? What kind of sense does it make?
Even looking from a selfish nationalist point of view, the value of immigration control is far from proven. And if we take the generous of view of a true world citizen, is there any valid reason to put up the shutters and man the barricades? You tell me!
