Inevitably, these discussions focus on present-day dilemmas.
In the early years of the twenty-first century, the impact of immigrants on the welfare state has become a staple of discussion among policymakers and politicians.
But the issues themselves are not new and have historical roots that go much deeper than have been acknowledged.
It is also a recurrent theme in the press, from the highbrow pages of the prospect to the populism of the Daily Mail.