I have had two previous attempts to write this blog and have lost them both thanks to Blogger. I have learnt my lesson, and am trying again, this time using Word so that I do not lose it again.
Immigration has become something of a hot topic with the possible approach of a general election. Almost everyone has an opinion of some sort about it, although I am not sure that some of the views are particularly well thought out. On a recent trip to London, it was very noticeable that the whole of the service industry was totally reliant upon foreign labour. Most of the people with whom you come into contact, use English adequately, but not as their first language. But without these people, how would hotels ever manage to open, restaurants serve food or busses and trains run.
My daughter recently had to spend some time in hospital where most of the nurses, many of the doctors and almost all of the auxiliary staff were foreign. The care given was superb. Unemployment levels in this country are mercifully low, but it does mean that we are dependent upon immigrant labour.
Following eight years of ineptitude, the government have now decided that it is about time it had a policy. As many people believe that all immigration is a bad thing, the government have decided that there are some votes to be won here and consequently have chosen to get tough, only allowing in those people who have the skills that we are short of. This might be a good idea as the education policy has resulted in many of the native population being lamentably skill deficient.
Much of the anti immigration outlook is based upon illogical racist views. Many opposed to such people are glad to buy their cheap produce from the supermarket perhaps not appreciating that it is only there because of the cheap labour used to pick it. Whilst I accept that we should have some sort of policy, it must be fair, fast an efficient. There can be no excuse for keeping people waiting for months or years even to get a decision on whether they can stay. Even if eventually they are accepted, they are going to feel bitter and not make good citizens. These claimants are in limbo, they cannot work, they are a burden upon the country’s resources and liable it come into conflict with the resident population and the police.
Surely, either those arriving here have the correct paperwork, or they don’t, and if the latter, then they should be immediately returned from whence they came. Apparently, it is possible for some illegal immigrants arriving at Heathrow Airport to destroy all their paperwork on the plane, and then travel some way through the airport before getting to passport control. By this time, it is impossible to know which flight they arrived on, and so cannot be returned to their country of origin. It might cost a bit more in passport control officers, but why can’t they be placed at the point of departure from the plane so that if they do not have a passport, they can be sent straight back.
This country has always welcomed migrants, and should continue to do so. What we need is a good, fair and workable policy. I doubt we will get it.
The following sites give a few slightly differing views on the problem.
Migration Watch UK
How dare Blair call me opportunist when he has failed and failed again
Tony Blair’s response to concerns over immigration
BBC NEWS | Politics | Clarke unveils immigration plan
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