Thesis (M.A.)--Chulalongkorn University, 2009

Self-preserving characteristics of Britain lead to uncertain relations among other member states of the largest bloc of deepening and widening European integration. Since the supranational EU deprives national sovereignty, the British successive governments have reiterated political realism in the international relations. Without the prescriptive Europeanisation of immigration, Britain manages the immigration policy preserving national interest. Until its peak of the economic crisis and pressure of inflows of multicultural faces, economic determinants play a greater role than political determinants in the globalised world. The new five-tier programme in 2009 brings the greatest change in the British history aiming at restricting non-EU nationals both residing in and expecting to enter Britain. “Only immigrants producing large benefits and contributions to economy can enter Britain.” Moreover, the governmental and local authorities challenge positive and negative impacts on Britain such as equal employments opportunities, state welfare, benefits, social cohesion and antidiscrimination. After one year of implementation, non-EU nationals find it ‘firm but not fair’ treatment due to the top priority of British interest. However, consequences of the policy for practically reducing the great flood of non-EU immigrants are anticipated to be effective by British citizens. To understand a comprehensive notion of both the EU and British immigration levels, key terms are analysed and evaluated through policies, academic researches, empirical situations and evidences along the whole chapters.