Letter by Sir Andrew Green
,
Chairman,
Migration Watch UK
The Economist, 3 November, 2012 

It is surely impossible to
argue that Britain’s immigration policy is “crippling” business and the economy
(“The Tories’ barmiest policy”, October 20th)
when there is no limit to staff transfers between international companies and
only half the available work permits have been taken up. As for the reduction
in student visas, that should be no surprise when a system riddled with abuse
is tightened up.

Your argument mainly
concerns the impact of bureaucracy on growing companies. That certainly has to
be looked at, but it would be quite wrong to ignore the very strong public
demand, which you acknowledge, for immigration to be reduced.

Immigration is valuable
when it is controlled. Both parts of this message must be delivered.
Exaggerated complaints from businesses and universities convey a negative
message to potential students, visitors and skilled workers.