THE comments by Mr Roberts in his letter (Review, November 14) grossly misrepresent the situation regarding immigration.

He portrays immigrants as people who come here to 'sponge off the system' and 'expect the Welfare State to look after them'. He implies that most are unemployed ('even those who find jobs').

The reality is that the vast majority of immigrants come looking for a better life and work hard to achieve it. Many are university graduates. They take less in welfare benefits than the indigenous population and, like the rest of us, pay taxes to help finance public services.

If some 'work for below minimum wages', as Mr Roberts asserts, then, rather than blaming immigrants we should demand that the authorities take action against the unscrupulous employers who are breaking the law As for the pressure on the NHS, it is clear to me that the NHS would collapse without overseas staff.

There is a genuine debate over the pros and cons of immigration, but this needs to be carried out in a calm and rational way, avoiding hysterical generalisations.

His comments will be welcomed by racists and can only serve to increase racial hatred.

– Peter Strong, Caldicot.