Replace 'welcome mat' for students

British government is taking its clampdown on study, work visa applications too far

Britain made a huge mistake recently when it removed the "welcome mat" that has lain on its front doorstep for decades and threw it in the rubbish bin. The nation's decision to make it harder for foreign students to work and study there made me think of the man who spent a pound to save a penny - it just doesn't make sense.

Sure, the move may free up some entry-level and part-time jobs, but doesn't the government in London realize the nation will lose much more than it gains by giving Chinese students the impression they are no longer welcome?