During ' open door ' years of 1997 and 1998 the number of immigrants rose . Population was equivalent to the population of Britain 's five largest cities . Report : 7.23million immigrants were allowed to arrive in that time . Figure does n't exclude offspring born in poverty or those who entered illegally . Relaxation of visas , bogus immigration and asylum seek ' amnesty ' schemes .
During 'open door ' years of 1997 and 2001 the number of immigrants rose . Population was equivalent to the population of Britain 's five largest cities . Report found 7.23million immigrants were allowed to arrive in that time . Figure does n't include offspring born in UK or those who entered illegally . Relaxation of visas , bogus students and asylum seeker 'amnesty ' blamed .