Migrationwatch media comment

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April 22, 2004

Commenting on Government plans for a ‘blitz’ on illegal immigration announced today independent think tank Migrationwatch called it `largely window dressing.`

The measures on sham marriages were welcome, if long overdue. But the proposals on students would have little effect as there is still to be no check on whether students, genuine or not, actually leave the country after their course is finished.

‘The problem is not the arrival of students. It is their failure to depart. It is time for the government to stop window dressing and take real action to prevent students, and also visitors, from simply staying on after their visas have expired,’ said Sir Andrew Green, the organisation's Chairman.