Immigration has always been a defining subject in British politics, but in recent years it has evolved from a policy issue into one of the most polarising topics. What should be a constructive conversation about benefits of diversity has instead become a matter of political contestation. Dr Dele Babalola makes the case for for legal migration routes.

Immigration is increasingly treated as a weapon, used to stoke fear, deepen societal divisions, exacerbate tensions, and secure short-term electoral gains. This incessant politicisation has warped public debate while also undermining the UK’s ability to create a fair, effective, and humane immigration system.

At the heart of this debate is the truth that rarely makes headlines: legal migration is not a threat to Britain’ prosperity; rather, it is one of its greatest assets. For the United Kingdom to thrive in an interdependent and competitive global landscape, it must move beyond viewing immigration as a curse and begin to embrace it as a blessing.

Debunking the Myths

Public discourse on immigration is commonly shaped by misconceptions. One of the most common myths about immigration is that migrants are a drain on public resources. In truth, migrants pay more in taxes than they obtain in benefits. Numerous studies have found that migrant workers are net contributors to the economy, funding the very services that critics allege they strain. For example, migrants, including international students, are not left out of the funding of public services such as the NHS. They pay annually to use NHS services.

Another myth is that immigration leads to job losses among British citizens. Again, it is highly unlikely that there is any evidence to back up this claim. In reality, migrants often fill roles in sectors facing acute labour shortages such as healthcare, agriculture, and social care, thereby complementing, rather than displacing the domestic workforce.

Concerns about social cohesion are also frequently cited. It’s a fallacy that immigration undermines social cohesion. While demographic shifts can pose challenges, these are not insurmountable. With adequate investment in housing, education, and community infrastructure, diversity can be successfully managed. The real issue is the failure of successive governments to plan effectively for population growth.

Immigration as a Political Instrument

The last couple of years have seen British politicians using immigration as an instrument of mobilisation to gain support. Issues around border control are usually brought to the front burner during elections cycles. While immigration, especially issues around border control, has historically been a focal point during election periods, the Brexit referendum marked a significant turning point. The slogan “take back control” of borders struck a chord with segments of the population who felt marginalised. Unfortunately, these narratives were often devoid of facts. Migrants were portrayed as overburdening public services and undermining cultural identity. Interestingly, it was rarely acknowledged that migrants make substantial contributions to the NHS, pay taxes, and frequently fill positions that would otherwise go empty. Anti-immigrant campaigners also ignore the fact that the Premier League is the best in the world thanks to the contributions of foreign players and managers.

Post-Brexit, immigration continues to dominate political debates. Discussions around small boat crossings and visa restrictions are framed in terms of control and deterrence, leaving little room for a balanced examination of migration’s benefits. Immigration has become a scapegoat for systemic issues such as housing shortages, austerity-driven cuts, and underinvestment in public services.

Reducing immigration issue to political slogans is damaging to social cohesion. Not only that, but it also prevents the nation from addressing its challenges with sincerity and evidence-based solutions.

The Case for Legal Migration

The paradox of anti-immigration sentiment in Britain is that the country’s economic and social infrastructure is deeply reliant on migrant labour. Without migrants, the country would struggle to compete with other industrialised nations at the global stage. The NHS, widely regarded as the country’s asset of inestimable value, is disproportionately staffed and sustained by migrant doctors, nurses, and support worker. Research shows that one out of every seven NHS staff is foreign-born. Without them, waiting lists would be considerably longer, emergency care would be strained, quality of care would be compromised, and the healthcare system would be dangerously overburdened and cease to be the pride of the average British. Similarly, the social care sector relies heavily on migrant labour to support the elderly and vulnerable, positions that are becoming increasingly difficult to fill domestically.

The private sector is likewise largely reliant on migrant workers, who contribute to agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship, ensuring Britain remains globally competitive. From fruit picking in Kent to small-scale businesses in London and other major cities, legal migration is critical to the British economy. Migrants contribute to the country’s economic prosperity while also enriching its cultural and social life. Britain’s diversity is one of its most defining features. Migration affects everything in the country, including food, fashion, and music.

Supporting legal migration is not only a pragmatic choice, but also a moral and strategic imperative. Britain’s historical leadership on the global stage has been underpinned by its openness to people and ideas. At a time when global competition for talent is fierce, Britain cannot afford to alienate skilled migrants who might otherwise choose other industrialised nations like Canada. Hostility to legal immigration and a retreat into insularity risks diminishing its international standing and competitiveness. That is not the Britain many people are proud of.

Addressing Public Concerns

Recognising the benefits of migration does not mean dismissing public concerns. Issues such as housing shortages, pressure on the NHS, and overcrowded schools are legitimate and deserve attention. However, attributing these challenges to immigration is misleading. The housing crisis, for instance, stems from decades of inadequate construction and planning. Britain’s housing crisis is not caused by immigration, rather, it is the consequence of years of underinvestment in housing. Similarly, NHS delays are more closely linked to funding shortfalls and staffing gaps than to migrant usage. Using immigration as a scapegoat detracts from the genuine concerns and stifles attempt to find solution to systemic problems.

Rather than vilifying migrants, policymakers should prioritise investment in infrastructure and public services. A well-designed immigration policy can ensure that migration benefits communities rather than harms them.

A Call for a New Conversation

It’s time to change the national conversation on immigration. Britain must stop perceiving immigration as a problem and instead view it as a resource to be managed. The debate must move beyond scary headlines and politically charged rhetoric. Instead, the discourse should centre on the tangible benefits of immigration, particularly, economic vitality, and cultural enrichment. This entails recognising the contributions of migrants, investments in infrastructure to support population growth, and rejection of narratives that cast immigration as a threat to national identity and stability. Scapegoating immigration is not the way to go.

The debate should also involve rejecting politicians’ toxic rhetoric that depicts immigration as a threat. This framing has not only distorted public understanding of the issues at stake but has also hindered the development of policies that reflect the realities of a modern society. Let’s be honest with ourselves, the nation’s ability to function as a competitive, industrialised state depends in no small part on the labour, innovation, and cultural dynamism that migrants bring.

Conclusion: Legal Migration is Britain’s Strength

The politicisation of immigration has not only poisoned public discourse but has also diverted attention from the structural challenges facing Britain; challenges that require thoughtful, evidence-based solutions. In this context, legal migration must be recognised not as a liability, but as a cornerstone of national progress.

Legal migrants sustain the NHS, drive economic growth, enrich cultural life, and strengthen social cohesion. Legal immigration is not a curse but a blessing, and migrants’ presence is not a burden, but a benefit. Those reducing immigration to a slogan of fear are doing the country a disservice. The future of Britain depends on its ability to engage with immigration in an evidence-based manner. By reframing the debate and rejecting fear-driven narratives, the UK can build an immigration system that is fair, and forward-looking. The sooner this is acknowledged, the more united and prosperous Britain will become.