The Paris Olympic Games are over, and Britain appears to be happy with its medal tally of 65, equalling the success of the 2012 London Games. Several athletes in Team GB in Paris were British immigrants who contributed to the rich medal haul.

It's not surprising at all. There is a beautiful picture of four British athletes-Asha Philip, Imani-Lara Lansiquot, Dina Asher-Smith, and Daryll Neita-beaming with joy while holding their national flag after winning bronze in the 4x100m relay event at the Tokyo Olympics. It was a proud moment not only for the British people but also for the country's immigrant community.

The British quartet were all Black and children of immigrants. Their parents were born and raised in their respective countries before they migrated to the UK.

This is in sharp contrast to the ongoing violence on the streets of England and Northern Ireland, which the local media says is being carried out by far-right protesters. However, not all protesters are necessarily far-right. Many of them are ordinary citizens who are often led to believe that if a large number of buskers and beggars are sleeping on the streets, it's because immigrants have taken their jobs and houses. They are also led to believe that if the National Health Service (NHS) is struggling, immigrants are primarily responsible for it; if organized crime is rife on the streets, illegal immigrants are behind it.

Whether it's perception or reality, the fact is that many people here feel that illegal immigrants and asylum seekers are the main source of their social and economic woes. It's not surprising that the protesters targeted hotels where asylum seekers were housed.

Immigration and Racism a Lingering Issue

Immigration and racism are two very emotive issues in the UK, as all political parties must clearly spell out their views and policies on them before each Parliamentary election. To be fair, successive governments have passed laws to protect minorities and immigrant communities, and a large part of British society has had little problem with immigrant communities. And yet, the gruesome murder of three young girls by a 17-year-old boy, born to Rwandan parents, in Stockport snowballed into street violence across England and Northern Ireland.

The Root Cause of the Problem

It's the long-simmering resentment over "small boats" that bring asylum seekers to this country, stretching national resources. Many people believe that the government has failed to stop these........

© NDTV