What Do We Know and What Should We Do About Immigration?

"A short, sharp and compelling book." The Observer

Immigration to the UK over the last two decades has run at historically unprecedented levels, altering the face of our society and economy. As a result, immigration has become a deeply contentious political issue and many argue it was the driving force behind the Brexit vote. But how many of us truly understand the causes and consequences of immigration?

In this book, Jonathan Portes (Chief Economist at the Cabinet Office, 2008-2011) provides a short history of immigration to the UK, before analysing its economic and social impacts, using current research and data to address commonly asked questions such as, does immigration reduce job opportunities for those born in the UK? Does it push down wages? And what is the impact of immigration on the public finances and public services? Portes then proposes what we should do about immigration in the future, outlining what a post-Brexit system should look like, and what, if anything, do we need to promote integration.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The ‘What Do We Know and What Should We Do About…?′ series offers readers short, up-to-date overviews of key issues often misrepresented, simplified or misunderstood in modern society and the media. Each book is written by a leading social scientist with an established reputation in the relevant subject area. The Series Editor is Professor Chris Grey, Royal Holloway, University of London