ABSTRACT
The United Kingdom (UK) qualifies both as a country of immigration and of emigration. Ethnic minorities display socioeconomic features that distinguish them from the average population which indicate that they still suffer from disadvantages and discrimination. During the 1970s, UK immigration discourse was dominated by racial considerations and race relations. A policy trade-off was developed whereby 'good race relations require firm immigration controls'. The UK was for long a country of immigration and, after a period of rather closed doors, it has once again become a country of immigration. Both temporary and, to a lesser extent, permanent immigration are encouraged and facilitated, as is subsequent naturalization. Increasing immigration, continuous economic and job growth plus positive fiscal effects illustrate that the present arrangements seem to benefit migrants and host society alike. Because this liberal approach is motivated by overwhelming economic considerations, any change in economic conditions will affect immigration policy.
