A new report Towards a Progressive Immigration Policy, argues the immigration debate must be re-framed to welcome the economic and social benefits that come from migration but also acknowledge our responsibility to protect the rights of migrants.
Leading experts on employment, housing, education, health and social cohesion policies argue that immigration presents an opportunity to raise the standard of public services in the UK. The report argues that the increased resources and greater diversity of experience which migrants bring with them, can contribute to the drive for a modern, more responsive, progressive direction for public policy.
The report calls on the public, professionals and policy makers to assist in reframing the immigration debate. It sets out the real facts and figures and outlines how a fair public policy that recognises and protects fundamental human rights can meet the needs of everybody in the community. The report includes progressive policies for the workplace; housing; education; and health services. Don
Flynn, Director of the Migrants Rights Network and co-editor of the report said: “A real engagement with the themes of equality and social justice, read into immigration policy, would map out a very different vision based on constructive engagement between communities and a mutual regard for the value of diversity. "This pamphlet attempts to engage with these themes, and hopefully it will
play a role in reorienting progressive politics in the direction of a clearer, more optimistic and internationalist future." For more information and to download the report, visit http://www.compassonline.org.uk/article.asp?n=987.