James Hampshire explores the politics of immigration in postwar Britain and shows how ideas of race, demography, and belonging intertwined to shape immigration policy. It is the first book to explain immigration in terms of the politics of demographic governance--how states manage and regulate their populations--and provides a much needed historical context to current debates. In addition, the book develops new perspectives on the ways in which racialized ideas influenced politics and policy-making.

James Hampshire explores the politics of immigration in postwar Britain and shows how ideas of race, demography and belonging intertwined to shape immigration policy. It is the first book to explain immigration in terms of the politics of demographic governance - how states manage and regulate their populations - and provides a much needed historical context to current debates. In addition, the book develops new perspectives on the ways in which racialized ideas influenced politics and policy-making.