But surely the points-based immigration system deals with this entire issue, doesn't it?

If you are a non EU Citizen (including the 8 recent accession states) then you have to prove that you have;

*a skill or trade necessary to the economy
*money and accommodation to support yourself and any dependants
*an effective grasp of the English language

So if we only admit the people that we need and who can support themselves, the problem is...what?

I don't fancy fortress Britain. I make a living out of working in other countries and so do many people. This country has no meaningful industry (thanks Maggie and Tony!) and the only exports we have are financial services (shit!) and expertise that we deploy where it is needed. The work I do is always at the cost of local people in the places I go to, but I prove that they need me, they agree, I earn money, they get their problems sorted out.

If we become a bunker, what hope do we have?