Why did so many people from different ethnic backgrounds come to Great Britain?

• They were expected to fight for the British
• Massive task of reconstruction after WWII encouraged immigration
• Commonwealth citizens have always been free to enter GB

consequence: Immigration acts to limit the numbers of immigrants.

Majority ot those who are allowed to settle in GB are dependants of people
who are British citizens.

Two sides of multiculturalism

advantages

• Pluralism contributes to the cultural and economic vitality of GB
• Linguistic variety makes GB a preferred location multinational companies
• Multicultural character of British food

disadvantages

• Members of ethnic minorities experience a great number of social disadvantages
  • Their children are more likely to need special help in education
  • Unemployment is higher
  • Racial discrimination

But ethnic minorities better integrated than in other European countries

Problems:

• Massive influx of asylum seekers, refugees and illegal immigrants
• Terrorist threat