Immigration Into Britain

Over 2 million members of ethnic groups live in the United Kingdom (roughly 5.5% of the population). In the 1940s and 1950s, many immigrants came to Britain from countries which are known as the ‘Commonwealth’. They saw themselves as guest workers who wanted to earn money for a better life in their native countries. So their intention was originally to go back after a certain amount of time, but many of them stayed in Britain, started families and settled down.

From 1991 to 1998, the main part of the immigrants came from Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Many immigrants have usually immigrated because of political oppression or religious persecution or they just want to go to the UK because they hope for a better life. They also come from Commonwealth nations which are preferred by the UK.