A lot of people fought and died for the freedom we hold as being the cornerstone of our society. It was a bloody cornerstone to defend and upholding it is never easy. People should be given the benefit of the doubt when entering this country.
I agree, however, that if they abuse the support and rights given to them they make a mockery of not only those who fought to uphold it but those who work hard every day and provide the taxes for that support. It's a fine balancing act, one no administration has gotten right. The current government is keen to have Britain as a beacon of hope to the world, but in doing so it is losing the support of the very people who pay for the luxury and ability to support immigrants.
As long as immigrants work hard (and no matter how hard they work they will always be perceived as not doing so) I have no issues with their being here. Their taxes will pay for our health care system in old age as our population is aging and they tend to be young.
The one thing I am concerned about over all else is the errosion of British culture. I'm all for Europe being united economically, legally and I appreciate that part of British society has always been the appreciation of other cultures and a degree of diveristy within the country (London is a melting pot and always has been). This hails from the Empire and trade and common wealth. But when these cultures begin to threaten the existence of British culture on its home soil then some rules need to be legislated to protect it. Sadly, this does not fit with our European membership as it is illegal under EU law.
A blanket ban and violent reaction to their race is NOT the way to deal with it, instead immigrants should come here to celebrate English culture (something the Yanks seem to have gotten right). The attacks in Ireland were over the top but there was an underlying reason. The NI didn't just do this cos they felt like it one day, they hold their culture as the most important thing they have (whether Nationalist or Unionist) but violence is not the answer. And racism will only ever fuel more hatred and anger.