Letter in the Guardian published 20/12/2006

Madeleine Bunting's excellent article highlights the shaming reality of Britain's tabloid-driven immigration policies. What asylum-seekers want is a fair hearing and the right to support themselves while awaiting the outcome of their cases. They are not asking for benefits - the vast majority want to work, not only for the money, but for the sake of their self-respect. Denial of work is the surest way to promote prejudice and create an embittered underclass.

Jim Holloway

Manchester