The Aliens Act at work, 1906

This cartoon "The Aliens Act at work" illustrates the consequences arising from the 1905 Aliens Act which introduced immigration controls and registration for the first time. It shows Britannia, the personification of Great Britain, holding the document of the "Aliens Act" in her right hand and with her left hand stopping a group of refugees from entering the country. The caption reads as follows: "Britannia: I can no longer offer shelter to fugitives. England is not a free country."

The Aliens Act at work, cartoon, 1906, artist unknown; source: © courtesy of Jewish Museum London, object number: C 1997.1.p35.