Immigration
Feb. 15th, 2005 09:42 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sobriqueLooks like Immigration is shaping up to be a big election issue.
Both the 'major' players are claiming that they're going to control, throttle back, and otherwise reduce immigration.
I don't see what they're on about. What's wrong with people coming to our country to live and work? Sure this is a *good* thing.
Oh yes, there's the argument about not enough infrastructure to support immigrants. But really, how do you think those things are paid for? Tax on the workforce, ergo if they become a working member of society, they pay taxes etc.
The other argument, is of course 'they're taking our jobs'. Which is frankly, utter rubbish - jobs aren't a finite resource. There are no companies (as far as I'm aware, anyway) that have declared that they won't ever employ more than a set number of workers.
More population, means more demand for services and goods, which means _more_ industry. Better still if the incomers are already skilled, or wanting to learn.
Some years back, there was a large scale immigration of indians. Now, the contribution made to the country is notable - many doctors and graduates have come from this background which have inherited a very strong work ethic.
So why _are_ both our major parties announcing xenophobic (or some might even say facist) policies?
In my opinion, one of the strongest positive factors about this country is it's diversity. Some might even say it's the highest in the world. This, is surely something to include and embrace - pushing away 'those that are different' is just laying the foundations of racism.
Both the 'major' players are claiming that they're going to control, throttle back, and otherwise reduce immigration.
I don't see what they're on about. What's wrong with people coming to our country to live and work? Sure this is a *good* thing.
Oh yes, there's the argument about not enough infrastructure to support immigrants. But really, how do you think those things are paid for? Tax on the workforce, ergo if they become a working member of society, they pay taxes etc.
The other argument, is of course 'they're taking our jobs'. Which is frankly, utter rubbish - jobs aren't a finite resource. There are no companies (as far as I'm aware, anyway) that have declared that they won't ever employ more than a set number of workers.
More population, means more demand for services and goods, which means _more_ industry. Better still if the incomers are already skilled, or wanting to learn.
Some years back, there was a large scale immigration of indians. Now, the contribution made to the country is notable - many doctors and graduates have come from this background which have inherited a very strong work ethic.
So why _are_ both our major parties announcing xenophobic (or some might even say facist) policies?
In my opinion, one of the strongest positive factors about this country is it's diversity. Some might even say it's the highest in the world. This, is surely something to include and embrace - pushing away 'those that are different' is just laying the foundations of racism.
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no subject
Date: 2005-02-15 10:42 am (UTC)By comparison, the Job seekers allowance (UK unemployment benefit) is a small amount which is means tested, taxable and runs for 6 months. After six months you don't get it. It can be stopped if you can't show that you are looking for work.
The UK is a tough option in comparison to the rest of Europe. Those people who arrive here have therefore shown determination, commitment and drive to choose the UK over the rest of Europe. These are useful personal qualities and are good traits in any citizen.
no subject
Date: 2005-02-15 10:47 am (UTC)We do have the NHS which will treat anyone...
I'm just saying I don't think the immigrants have a realistic view of the UK, so that's why we get so many... The PR has done it's job too well...
no subject
Date: 2005-02-15 11:07 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-02-15 10:58 am (UTC)After that six months (or from the beginning, if you've not paid enough NICs) you move on to income based JSA.