• Comment: Migrant amnesty just won't work
• Boris Johnson under fire for too few women in senior jobs
• More than one in 10 people in UK were born overseas

Reader views (87)

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An immigration and an amnesty is not a new idea. Even birds migrate for better living. It is a talk of a commonsense that those illegal immigrants who are residing in UK and have not seen their families since years, must have affection for this country to make their life better otherwise they would have left out this country since long.A mis-calculation by a think tank that it would cost £1million on each illegal immigrant if granted amnesty. Such statements further derail confidence among the British People. It is to clarify that this research is purily based on an unemployed asylum seeker with full benefits i.e. housing benefits,child benefits and pension. All illegal immigrants are not asylum seekers.Furthermore,perhaps my dear think tank forgot to calculate the Debit-side of the balance-sheet.A non-refundable fee £5000 may be collected from each illegal to cover local Gov't expenditure and fund additional investment in integration services. Regular Tax-deduction from these immigrants will further shine the economy of the Britain.My friend Mr. UdayaKumar Gurung from London has rightly mentioned in his comments below that imagine 700000 illegal immigrants paying tax each one at least £400 a month, this will be contribution of £3360,000,000 per year. Then why we should allow these immigrants to live here(since years)enjoying Tax-Free income when we can collect Tax from them by granting them amnesty with limited benefits. Certainly It would be in the best of the Nation...

- S R Teji, Nakodar India

I do believe that it would be in the best interest of the nation in granting amnasty to illegal immigrants. Doing so would enable them to work and conribute towards the economy where as not granting them amnasty would mean that they will have to work illegally one way or the other. So rather than worrying about the loss that is going to happen once. The government really needs to look into the wider picture and a long term benefit to the economy.Why should we allow these immigrants to live here enjoying their tax free income if we can by granting them amnasty collect tax from them. Sooner they are granted amnasty better it would be for the whole country. This government should not be misled by the speculation that suggests negative views about this matter. These immigrants have been living here for ages ripping the benefits tax free earnings. Although Laws have been introduced to disallow illegal immigrants to work in the country. Don't forget they are people who ignore the laws and continuously employ those people on low pay. So whatever earnings they make, they don't have to pay any tax at all. Therefore giving them right to live and work in this country will definitely contribute towards the ailling economy. Imagine 700000 illegal immigrants paying tax each one at least £400 a month. This will be £280,000,000 every month an extra income for the government. So in one single year these people will be contributing £3360,000,000. So see the long term benefit? Don't be foolish

- Udayakumar Gurung, London - Ruislip

Come to Leicester we have thoussand here all working with fake ID .Bring your cameras ans take pics.

- David, east mids

Long live Mayor Boris Johnson. You are a lion headed and a noble man on the earth who generate such a nice idea in your mind to suggest an amnesty to the long awaited illegal immigrants in the UK. You'll be remembered for ever in the history of the Britain for this leadership. Next Prime-Minister of the United Kingdom: Mr. Boris Johnson. God may bless you with full throttle of energy to wrestle this 'Herculean Task'.

- S R Teji, Nakodar India

I pity some naive British citizens because they have not travel enough to broaden their horizons either than that they will support the major. Lets not forget that the British economy is supported by foreigners. For instance, Manchester City FC, Chelsea FC, etc. are owned by foreigners. An Africwestan owes the highest share in Natwest Bank. I wonder why people from America or Europe are called expatriates or tourists when they visit Africa whilst Africans are referred to as illegal immigrants. No one ever thought USA will one day have a black president as such a day will comericans when African will not want to leave their countries because they are ok.

- King K, birmingham

So this is the quality of thinking and leadership that will determine the future of the UK. Voters need to recognise this and vote accordingly in the June 2009 European election.

John please tell this did not make you sound like a bigot what is that immigrants have not done for this country.I think you should go and visit some of the countries these so called irregular immigrants come from then maybe you might learn what your fore fathers left them.Think about it this way I'm a tax payer so are you I presume,if the people were to be sent back to there countries it would take about 60years this means that you,me and every other tax payer will have to pay for their journeys home and its not just us that will have to pay for their journeys home our children's children will too.So letting these people work it will bring about 6bn a year to the economy so it only make sense to allow them to work even if its for 5years that's 30BILLION to the economy that's what I think anyway.



So where will these illegal/legal immigrants live, socialise and go to school?

- Lb, London

"LB", London, NOW NOW DO YOU THINK WHAT JUST SAID MAKE ANY SENSE??.QUESTION WHERE ARE THESE IRREGULAR/REGULAR IMMIGRANTS LIVING SOCIALISING,LEARNING OR WORKING FOR THAT MATTER

THANK YOU

- Lee, london

Unlike what Mr Woolas, I believe if given a chance,those here illegally wont jump to the front of the queues of jobs and benefits. When the working class are moaning and hunted by the economy crisis, those so called illegal migrants are managing to survive despite not being permitted to work or any access to benefits and are just living on the smallest of help from people around them. surely they'll have the ability to go much further if allowed to live and work legally. after all they're are hungry for success.Having said there need to be a path to citizenship which would pave the way for those genuinely willing to make a living.

- Leo, MK

So this is the quality of thinking and leadership that will determine the future of the UK. Voters need to recognise this and vote accordingly in the June 2009 European election. The BNP is looking like the only party that cares about our opinion, has some common sense and is determined to protect British values.

- John, London, UK

So where will these illegal/legal immigrants live, socialise and go to school?


- Lb, London

Putting this into context, these "Illegal workers" are but a drop in the ocean. The EU talks a lot about protectionism and deprives us of any protection against the masses of EU "migrants" who come here and take jobs away from citizens. Sadly, while many of these people will make their homes here and contributed towards the wealth of our country, the EU drinks us dry, walks over us and sure as hell have no respect for us.

- Maria, London

I would love to see what proportion of the govt. budget goes on keeping these people in our country, because if there wasn't any money they definitely would not be here !

- Madmax, Londonistan

When will English people ever get the chance to say no more,enough?
Lets have a referendem.These gutless politicians have ruined a once great country.

- William Isaac, London England

Sorry, Boris. This is one issue that would make me vote against you next time. Amnesties do not work; they simply encourage more to come.

- Beatriz, London

There might be a clue in the word "illegal". If we do not deal with this very emotive issue, especially in these parlous times, there may be a shift to the far right which is far scarier than 725,000 illegal immigrants.

- Patricia, LONDON

Why reward cheating Boris! That's what the Loonies do and see what mess we are in!
Illegals must remain illegal and be deported. What about the legitimate migrants playing by the rules! Or do you want to joint the anarchist queue.

We should only import those we need with the skills we need.
If the home office can't deport them get rid of the useless staff and bring in new. Where there is a will there is a way. We've already had masses import due to home office failures.
If an amnesty is given now the message will go out and the next amnesty will be huge.
Stop giving into Loony-Labours ethnic cleansing because its only storing up trouble.

- Mike,, London

Boris is just trying to prove that his is "politically correct".Common sense shows that it is in the best interest of Great Britain to remove illegal immigrants.What next, an amnesty for burglers or muggers.
If you break the law you should be punished no exceptions.Those who are here illegally should be punished and removed.

- Alex Pavlovic, Perivale

Personally, I am happy we have a leader who is willing to look at ways to solve the problem rather than simply banging his fists and shouting “British jobs for British workers” like a certain Scottish Buffoon currently squatting in 10 Downing St.

The reality is that we have to find a solution to the problem and we have a simple choice, spend hundreds of millions finding and extraditing them or generate hundreds of millions in tax revenue.

Combined with an enforced, stringent immigration policy, and I mean pretty much closing the door on non-eu nationals for the next 10 years, a policy similar to the one Boris suggested we discuss could well turn out to be a masterstroke. Unfortunately, we can’t really rely on Labour to close the doors, so we will have to wait til the Conservatives get in, anyway.

- St, London

No amnesty. Don't make crime pay. Deport those who have no right to be here.

- Adam, Harrow, UK

Very bad idea Boris, it will only encourage more to come in.

- Paul, Enfield., Enfield, Middlesex

Boris you really shot yourself in the foot on this one

- Melodie, Montreal, Quebec Canada

By the time this crowd have integrated another crowd will come along,multiply the number with all the offspring due to arrive and we have horrendous problems on these small Islands,does nobody give a damn!!

- David., Chertsey.UK.

Richard Barnbrook please have a word with Boris, he might listen

- Yvonne, Harrow Weald

There are well over 1,000 illegals camping all along the french coast, being assisted by local "do-gooders",to try every night to enter UK. By virtue of being illegal they are criminals.Does Boris think that by granting an amnesty,that this will send the right message to the tens of thousands now heading for UK from all parts of the world? They have said on french TV that they will work for £1 per hour or even less when they arrive.Are these the sort of people that Boris and the Tories wish to populate London with? Open your eyes,Boris !

- Madge Blair, Cahors France

If there are 500,000 illegals in the capital then get rid of them pronto. That would take half a million Brits off the unemployment register. Boris you are barking mad!

- Richard K, Nottingham

He's some kind of Turk isn't he.

- Bob Wallis, London England

Bob, you’re absolutely right, his Grandfather was Turkish! So obviously despite being born in England to English parents, having British citizenship and living here all his life Boris should obviously should be deported along with anyone else who cannot prove beyond a shadow of a doubt they are not 100% anglo-saxon. We would have a pretty empty country though.

- Nj, London

It means there is no law for the illegal... Boris hanging all with one stick. Al least there should be some point to apply. Illegal who are claiming the public benefits since they arrive, enjoying luxrious life. Earning without hardworkship.
I highly applaused the method of Arthur, LONDON. I know an honest person who was in London 4 times since 1991 but never prefer to overstay or asylum seeker or claim public benefits. Al last he got the work permit and enjoying his life.

- M A Sular, London

Man was born free but everywhere is chains. We are the child of the universe, we have a right to be here. Lets fix the world then we would never bother who live where. That is how God wanted the world to be

- Alex Lisinge, Putney London

Thanks for that input Alex, i haven't laughed so hard in ages.

- Lb, London

Good grief I am amazed that this man is in a position of power. How so? Does he not think about the results of his stupid ideas? Heres one to think about Boris. The cost to the benefits system!

- Dave Edwards, Shropshire

Wow... this is one of the most sensible things Boris has ever said and he has just gone up in my estimations. He is absolutely right, it is scandalous that we have half a million people in London who would willingly engage in the economy but are bared from doing so and are therefore condemned to living in the margins of society in abject poverty, whilst they could simultaneously be contributing economically to society and improving their own conditions.

- Nj, London

Terribly disappointed in Boris' suggestion. I thought he was Conservative, not Socialist Worker.

Give them an amnesty, and thousands more will flood in either for sub minimum wage jobs, or just because we're a soft touch.

Our unaffordable Welfare State is being targeted by immigrants who are better off
not working here than working in their own countries.

Boris is driving us into the welcoming arms of the BNP



- Martin, Bracknell England

Oh dear Boris,

Not one of your better ideas. A good socialist idea, reward the wrongdoer, criminal, and stuff for the righteous citizen!

Not a good idea, I am definitely anti.

They did wrong in the beginning, they should not be rewarded and should be given the order of the boot, forthwith.

Think of what this will do to the economy, create jobs and which will be filled by the ever-increasing list of unemployed.

- Hugh, Middx

Boris is looking very much like a one hit wonder - ideally suited for the Lords in 3 years time.

- Tony Gee, London

Boris needs to have a rest and rethink what he is saying. No no no to an amnesty and only completely left wing liberals will think otherwise. The illegal immigrants have broken UK laws and must be caught and deported.

- Peter Noterfed, Paris, France

Man was born free but everywhere is chains. We are the child of the universe, we have a right to be here. Lets fix the world then we would never bother who live where. That is how God wanted the world to be

- Alex Lisinge, Putney London

feeling very depressed at the moment, god help us save our heritage and our country. bnp for me

- Yvonne, Harrow Weald

This is right decision to boost the economy of Britan as the illegal immigrants can move their money in this country instead of sending to back home. Its one of wise step for government and it will definitely affect to illegals to get their rights and to government.

- Prashant Patel, London

Boris I will thank u for doing a good job in this regard

- Ade, London

If these illegal’s are working; then someone is employing them; so they should be paying tax etc; if they are not paying tax to the government etc; then the employer is acting illegally; or pocketing the tax etc.

If we are going to have an amnesty for illegal immigrants who came here dishonestly in most cases; then let’s have a National Amnesty for all criminals of all kinds etc.

To give amnesty to one underground group; is to deny human rights to all underground groups etc.

Sounds to me: that Boris is beginning to be taken over; by those that are really in control of the GLA.

Maybe they have illegal cleaners and security guards at City Hall?

- mickyinlondon, london

Boris - please think things through before making a complete twit of yourself.

Why reward the people-traffickers who make money out of wannabe migrants? Why encourage those who practice deception and enter the country illegally - many of whom will be working illegally, too.

Deport 725,000 chancers and you might find a) there are more jobs for legal British residents b) rogue employers actually pay some tax and National Insurance c) we save the London electricity grid from keeling over d) incensed voters are less likely to turn to the BNP.

- Jools, London

Boris, you will be sorry the day you said this! Mark my words.

- Theresa, Cardiff

I think its a good idea to have a record of people that are living in this country and by giving amnesty the goverment can have control and records of everybody living here,i think they should be fine as well for living here illegally.thanks

- George, london

oh dear oh dear oh dear - what a short sighted initiative! amnesty this year - encourage another few hundred thousand - another amnesty in 2012, and another....and another....then it will be impossible to deport/stop anyone from anywhere coming here! BNP for me next time.

- gary, amersham

The answer is not to allow current illegals to stay (and their relatives to follow at a later date, thereby doubling or even increasing the numbers maybe four-fold). If it will take 60 years to remove them, we must simplify the system and increase our efforts by up to 60-fold. They would be gone by next year! Simples!

- Jack, Yorkshire England

If a burglar broke into your home, you wouldn't reward him by taking him in as a lodger and offering his family free board and lodgings.

- John, Enfield London

Oh Boris.
You wally.

- Steve, Gloucestershire

If Boris wants to be a one-term Mayor then go for the amnesty by all means. You are not the Mayor of two classes of people Boris as the illegals do not have the right to vote and did not elect you. If we have an amnesty it encourages more people to overstay and expect another amnesty as has been proved in the US. We should be making sure that they can not access public services and removing them. Why is there still scant checking of National Health numbers at hospitals and GP's? No National Insurance No. no treatment! In case of emergency then treat them, but call immigration officers.

- Mark, London

I agreed with a lot of things Boris says but this time he is wrong big time. The fault lies with the whole political machine from the political correct Labour government and now with the soft out of touch Tories. The problem don't go away by giving amnesty, it will only encourage it. Time to put a full stop as the infrastrcture is falling apart from council to government level never mind the population as we are all ready suffering with lack of investment wasted on fraud clamiant to social welfare cost these illegal immigrants creates.

- Joe, Swanley Kent

What I find interesting, most of the commenters do not read beyond the title of an article.

- Gucha, London

I'm no fan of Boris but this amnesty is definitely one of his better ideas.

- Charlie, Soho, London

Dear boris,

No, no, no. We already have far too many illegal immigrants. In fact, you should be campaigning to have them sent home - not encouraging more.

- Tony H, Godalming

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no & NO - not on any account, for any reason, never ever. We are just way to overcrowded already. Find ways to create space, not encourge more space filling - Just incase you are in any doubt about my position NO !

- Jenny, London, England

Mikki I dont believe this is a 'bigotry' issue, it's about economics and also national security. Loose border control and millions of unaccounted for persons within a country are a recipe for disaster, as we learned here firsthand.

- Pam, Michigan, USA

If they could pay their way, and contribute to the system that has been taking care of them, that seems fair, while they try to develop a way to control the borders, otherwise this could go on and on.

This may not be a popular choice , but it is definitely a wise move considering the economy.

- Amanda, Milton Keynes, UK

NO BORIS!!!!

- Dee Jay, Fleet Hampshire

I was a worker along with thousands of British people in Canada, Holland, Norway, Greece and a number of other countries in the Middle East. When our contracts came to an end our working and residence visas were cancelled and we had to depart. There were no benefits for us but we accepted that.

- Fred, Horsham

'Poor old Boris so much hope destroyed by one stupid policy idea'. Nigel, that may be your view but it certainly isn't mine. I can trace my East End roots back nearly 300 years and so have no personal gain but I am 100% behind Boris on this and I salute his bravery to propose this policy in what he knows is the face of much bigotry.

- Mikki, London

Is it a condition of taking office as mayor that you start coming out with statements that will inflame half of your voters.Boris we wanted a mayor who spoke for the people of london. The ones who voted for you.

- Dave Smith, Croydon

An amnesty for illegal immigrants adjusts but does not solve the problem. Only better law, border controls and deportation will do that.

- Steve.W, B'ham UK

I voted for Boris. but if this goes ahead I will move out.

- Dec, London

I can see two sides to this, depending on what sort of illegal immigrant one is talking about.

If someone has not committed any crimes (other than being in the country illegally), and has put down roots in our community, I agree he should be allowed to apply to legitimize his presence, and some years later to claim citizenship. But he should not gain any entitlement to state benefits until then. If he is unable to support himself during the probationary period, he should be sent back to wherever he came from.

If an illegal immigrant has broken the law in any serious way (immigration law and minor fineable offences excluded) he should always be expelled from the country, either instead of or after serving a jail term. It's the criminals who give illegal immigrants a bad name. The honest ones should be delighted to see a harder line taken with offenders.

- Nigel, London

Poor old Boris so much hope destroyed by one stupid policy idea. Anyone found illegaly in the UK should be deproted ASAP, no right of appeal and defo no ammnesty. Ammnestys only encourage other illegal immigrants. The UK can no longer cope or tolerate any further burden on our benefits system, health service, schools.

- Terence Harrington, Canterbury, UK

I know someone who came to this country seeking asylum five years ago. They are still waiting for a decision. As they are doing things legally they are not allowed to work apart from a few unpaid hours for a charity. They share one room with two others and receive no benefits. Their only income is money donated from a charitable organisations and friends. Life is fairly grim for them. Boris would be better seeking justice for those seeking asylum than granting an amnesty to illegals a number of whom are criminals!

Stop firing from the hip Boris and show some joined up thinking for once!

- Michael, London

I'm sorry Boris but with comments like this you are just encouraging us not vote for one of the mainstream parties. It's about time this country stopped being a soft touch and got really tough with illegal immigrants, not giving them all an amnesty. They'll only be replaced with millions more in a short space of time. I know who I'm voting for next time!

- Sue, Orpington, Kent

Arthur we still have a real illegal problem here in the US because an important piece is missing from the items you listed: stiff penalties for those who hire them. Until that happens the cycle will just continue.

- Pam, Michigan, USA

He gets worse[Boris]. It is like saying to muggers, if you own up now, you will be let off, but if you do it again and get caught, you might get punished.

- Richard P, Eaton Bishop UK

750k is the number they want to release. Realistically speaking the number could be as much as 3x that.

Illegals should be removed and boarder controls should be stepped up. Anyone removed caught trying to get back into the country should be punished, hard.

Make it hard and make them regret trying, do not reward them.

- Serox, London

Totally against this and I am sure majority are also.
For every person you give a amnesty to then you will see at least one other dependent joining them.
Is london not crowded enough.

- Mike, London

Spain has had several amnesty's but it has not solved the problem.

- Steve M, London

I totally agree with the previous comments, it will encourage more illegals and who is going to pay for it?

- Jeremy, Chelmsford ,Essex

I like Boris but he's wrong on this one. The government is right to say it would only attract more illegal immigration. Amnesties have been tried in several European countries with exactly that effect. Spain has had FIVE amnesties since 1985. France has rejected outright ever having another one. The reasons for having them are understandable but the reasons against overwhelm them.

- Kevin T, Beckenham

This emphasis on creating new rights for illegal immigrants is in entirely the wrong place. It will simply encourage more poor people to come here illegally. Of far greater benefit would be the proposal that asylum seekers be allowed to work here legally while having to wait for a defined, crime free period to qualify for the benefits of our social security system.

- R Gilmore, London, UK

Sorry Boris, you're wrong on this. To give them amnesty will not only obligate them to pay tax but also have the right to claim benefits at a time when the economy is failing and jobless numbers are rising. I believe the net effect will be a higher burden on the tax payer and send out the wrong signal to encourage more illegals to come. Time to resign Brown.

- Richard, Duke Of Leeds, Leeds, Republic of Yorkshire

Oh dear another reason why I won't vote for him a second time...

- Shelly, London

If you reward thousands of cheats & criminals, thousands more will come to replace them.

Some will come to fill illegal and sub minimum wage jobs, others will just come illegally
in order to be duly legitimized & awarded benefits.

We are massively overcrowded in our cities, and rewards for criminals is a recipe for unrest.

The Spanish have had 3 amnesties, each one for the preceding wave of illegals.

The idea is reckless.

- Martin, Bracknell England

very sensible approach I would have thought.

easy to go all BNP, but the fact is that they're there already, and need to be brought into the legitimate economy.

- Scott, London

Congratulations Mr Johnson, you have just lost my vote in the next elections.

- Lb, London

"one group who live normally and another who live in the shadows unable to contribute fully to the rest of society"
He's automatically assuming that all illegal immigrants are involved in jobs beneficial to society, does he believe that the now enormous foreign underworld is populated entirely by UK citizens then?

- Bob, Cheam

Great solution, if you break a law for long enough then you get away with it. And hasn't Boris noticed we are in a recession, there is a lack of jobs, not the money for benefits any more. So, what do you do with 1/2 million illegal imigrants? Realistically, stop them using schools, only give them the most essential NHS treatment and you send them home on mass.

- Neil, London

I dont understand; if they broke the rules why aren't they deported? Do we not have rules any more? Pathetic.

- Jules_London, london

Boris this is exactly the reason I voted BNP in last years Mayoral Election.

You sound more like a labour do gooder luvvie each day, rather than a politician with backbone.

- P Staker, London

Approx. 9 years ago the USA made an amnesty to all illegal immigrants,but with conditions. They were as follows;
1...That you had to prove you had been in the USA FOR AT LEAST 5 years.
2..That you had to produce evidence of accommadation for 5 years.
3...If during the time of you coming to the USA Illegally you had a child then you had to produce all relevant documents.
4..That you had to state how much you had earned during the time you were illegal, and had to pay the Taxes due.
5..The cost of becoming LEGAL was $3500,which had to be paid on application.
6..Most important was the fact they had to produce a Bio and Fingerprints,and if after checking they had a criminal record they were refused and deported immediately
If methods such as the above were applied here in UK then
a great deal of the illegals would contribute to the UK economy.

- Arthur, LONDON

Billions of pounds spent on 'security' each year, more than half the worlds CCTV camera's in the UK and civil liberties being reduced on a daily basis. Yet nearly three quarters of a million people can enter the UK undetected and live here without being caught?

Never mind blaming the bankers, who is responsible for this situation? Next time a politician, civil servant, policeman or somebody from the intelligence services makes yet another comment about 'national security' (normally because they want more repressive laws or a bigger budget), our response should be "725,000". Nothing more until you deal with the existing problem.

It beggars belief that since 9/11 and 7/7 that the numbers of illegal immigrants in the UK can double, while the 'surveillance society' has been given more resources than ever before. All that discussion about 90-day detention was a distraction from the real issue, that those responsible for protecting this country are simply not doing their job!

- Manny Goldstein, London, UK

British tax payers have been paying no mean amount towards education and the health service, and because of these illegals our contributions will increase, so why should we allow these illegals access to them. They would soon go home if the authorities got to grip with this situation. It's pathetic. Roll on the next General election.

- Crm, essex

He's not the only one. Cruddas, Harman and her husband Jack Dromey all favour an amnesty.

Illegal immigrants should be kicked out, fullstop.

- Mark, South-East London

an amnesty you have got to be kinding me. Get out and stay out!! They are Illegally here they have broken the law to stay or enter this country therefore they should not be here. Yes it would take 60 years to get them out under the current pathetic way of doing things. Follow the Spanish or Italian way of doing things. Britain is a real soft touch!

- Fly, london

There are a whole lot more than 725,000 illegal immigrants in Britain.

- Squiz, islington

An amnesty rewards illegals - it's wrong and will encourage further illegal immigration. I really am fed up with the mainstream parties doing nothing to tackle this issue, apart from suggestions of making illegals legal so the problem "goes away".

- Ab, London

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