Immigration controls and the issue of asylum dominate the media. The link between immigration status and entitlement to welfare and social provision means that immigration and asylum law directly impinges on major areas of life. The book begins by delineating the main issues. The new Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act is explained – including material on how education entitlement is now to be linked to immigration status. Part One of the book provides a political background to immigration controls and shows why there cannot be non-racist controls. Part Two provides the historical background and demonstrates how controls in this country have always been used against refugees – starting with the 1905 Aliens Act. Part Three examines internal welfare controls. Part Four looks at the international aspects of controls and how a global fortress in being erected against migrants, immigrants and refugees. Part Five gives examples of resistance to immigration controls. Part Six provides a conclusion and looks critically at the arguments for “fair” controls and for no immigration controls. Steve Cohen has for over two decades been both an immigration lawyer and an activist against immigration control. He has lectured and written extensively on issues of immigration and asylum. He helped establish and was previously co-ordinator of Greater Manchester Immigration Aid unit.