Resources: Talking point - How should the UK manage immigration?

For years, mainstream politicians avoided talking directly about immigration.

The subject was regarded as divisive in our multicultural society. Suddenly, things changed. Immigration is set to be an election issue and provokes strong feelings.

The Government's plans affect people who come to the UK for a better life or to earn money to send back home. They are sometimes called economic migrants. There is an obvious difference between them and refugees fleeing from persecution. Do young people understand the difference? Talk about why politicians sometimes lump these groups together.

Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, is planning to introduce a points system for people applying to work or study in the UK. Applicants will be grouped in tiers that include the highly skilled, students and specialists, such as football players. Only people who score highly will gain entry. Does this sound sensible?