ABSTRACT
The government's immigration and nationality policies seemed to reflect a concerted effort to ensure the integration of newcomers into British society. This developing trend in the direction of integration also became apparent in the government's changing approach to language education policy. The result of a combination of social, political and economic factors, such transition has seen Britain's immigration, citizenship and education policies moving in the direction of an integrationist model; one which emphasises Britishness, common values and socio-linguistic cohesion over difference and separateness. Immigration and citizenship legislation was to follow, specifically aimed at ensuring social integration, national unity and ultimately the preservation of the status quo. The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, in particular, which provided a blueprint for the future shape of the country's citizenship and immigration policy, spelt out the government's vision of a British nation inhabited by British citizens committed to the British way of life.
