Top UK Catholic Slams Migration 'Fear-Mongering'

[rug]

LONDON February 18, 2014 (AP) - Britain's top Roman Catholic cleric on Tuesday accused U.K. politicians of fear-mongering on immigration issues, saying it is wrong to argue that newcomers are a drain on the economy.

Immigration, a hot-button issue in Britain, got a jolt of attention following the loosening of restrictions on migrants from Bulgaria and Romania earlier this year, a move some claimed would send Eastern Europeans flooding into Britain.

The Most Rev. Vincent Nichols, archbishop of Westminster, said Britons should acknowledge the positive contribution of immigrants "to our well-being and economy. "

"I think the idea that immigrants are a net drain on our economy is false," he said at a news conference.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/top-uk-catholic-cites-fear-mongering-migration-22566149