Immigration to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has always played an important role in the country’s life. In modern times it contributed significantly to the country’s economy and culture. As the number of immigrants rapidly grew, it was necessary to regulate their influx with legislative tools. The immigration policies of the United Kingdom have been influenced by the country’s economy, its need for workers or in other instances, its lack of new job offers. It has successfully tried to lure highly skilled professionals to the country whereas it has usually rejected to accept poorly educated poverty-stricken individuals. Recently policies have also started to reflect public opinion and the fear caused by terrorist attacks on Western targets. British people have become more and more reluctant accepting the fact that large numbers of immigrants enter the country since most of the terrorists were people who were born and raised in host countries.