Decklan, Islington: I don't agree that the figure is not intended as a barrier to participation as it clearly is just that . Nevertheless its a better way to deal with those within the country in this sitation than acting as an encouragement for further illegal immigration as would happen in the case of an amnesty without obligation . however I believe that this measure in isolation would fail since the main problem of these workers is not so much their immigrant status as the fact that they pay no tax. regularizing their situation would imply paradoxically a drop in their income ( unless their employers were willing to take up the difference ). And this is the can of worms which is opened by this whole debate and is the reason why it never gets beyond the debating stage . the real issue isn't about the immigrants its about regularizing the employment of such immigrants which is the responsibility of people who in the majority are already legally citizens of the UK. So then what does this amnesty buy for Conchita? That long awaited chance to go see her family perhaps? But with her drop in wages and having just forked out £5000 it'll be another while before she has the money for the plane ticket.

M W Bannerman, South Africa: It must be the most daft approach I have ever heard. No wonder Britain has such a problem with illegals.

Anton, London: £5,000 is big money, but i'm ready give it for legalising , and i don't need benefits because i will have a job(if no jobs in London i'll move somewhere else, in a viladge or farm) But first what i'll do .... go home, to see my family!

Mogwai, Hampshire: I read somewhere that deporting an illegal immigrant would normally add up to £11,000 per head. Now try figuring out the deportation costs of half a million people. I think this is probably one of the best solutions. Economic wise for the country... instead of having to draw out of the economic pool why not add to it instead. and like it has already been said, anyone paying 5000 pounds is indeed a hard worker.

Mogwai, Hampshire: Considering the fact that 5000 pounds as oppose to the exchange currency for other's could means up to next to a million and anyone's willing to pay that kind of cash rather than sending it home for their loved ones or familly is indeed in a huge desperation of being legalized. U guess in the end this could all work fine. I read somewhere that deporting illegal immigrat would normally adds up to 11000 pounds per head. Now try figering out the deportation costs of half a million people. I think this is probably one of the best solutions. Economic wise for the country... instead of having to draw out of the economic pool why not adding to it instead. and like it has already been said, anyone paying 5000 pounds is indeed a hard worker. And also on a long term legalizing illegal immigrats can be a boost to UK economic.

Edward Milner, Leeds: pay a bounty on missing illegals, they would soon be rounded up

janewarsaw, England: Hi everyone.In my opinion illegals work very hard under worse conditions and pay tax.Also they dont have any access to public services at all. If they proof that they can look after themselves they should be allowed to stay but they should declera they will not ask for any benefits at all.

Aliu Ciesse, London: it is a fact that illegal immigrants contribute a lot to this economy.they also try hard to stay away from trouble since that may expose them. one thing also is that illegal immigrants are afraid of the police and other law enforcment agents. they might hold a very important information that would help the police in certain investigation but are afraid to come out to help for fear of being exposed. i feel that if amnesty is given, a lot of people would feel free to say who they are and what information they have without worrying about the question of "what's your name, address, postcode, etc".they would be willing to pay any amount to be legal, because much money is demanded by so called immigration solicitors who dont even deliver and still get away with it,because they are dealing with immigrant who are " forbiden" to speak or tell sombody they've been duped.

Juliet Okoro, Yarlswood: Illegal immigration has contributed postively to the growth of this country. I have been working and paying tax. I came in as a student and fell ill, and so I could not undergo my studies with the school but I defered my admision and my fee is still with the school. I'm planing to go back as soon as I'm fit enough. I have been working and getting my tax refund. I don't cause any harm to the society, so I think illegal immigrants should be given some previlage to work in the country.

John, USA: The provisions of the proposed "Amnesty" are alarmingly similar to the failed/rejected scheme proposed by Washington D.C. ethno-centric lobbying groups in the United States. Is this group part of an international conspiracy to surrender Britain and the USA to the New World Order? On my last visit to London I heard many complaints from Native Brits about the overwhelming numbers of unassumulated immigrants. What makes this group believe these 500,000 will, or want, to assimilate? More to the point- what about the Rule Of Law? What crime, or group, is exempt next?

Mal, Manchester: I think it will cause no warn to give citizenship to illegal immigrant, anyone who is ready to pay £5000 must be a hard working and will surely contribute a lot to the country

Anwar Mohammed, London: Hi my name is Anwar and I am in UK for past 7 yrs,i came to UK on visit visa. Before my visa was to expire I tried to change it into work permit but unfortunatly the man who I trusted and gave money for my visa prosscess betrayed me and stamped a fake work permit on my passport. when i got doubt on my visa i made enquries to home office but they could not find anything out, so in this way i had become a visa overstayer but then when i heard about amnesty for illgeals in UK. I had submmited my passport through my solicitor in home office requsting to regulerise me and grant me a visa to live and work. My passport is in home office since last 2 and half years. so guys this was my story,no one wants to be an illegal! even we are human beings like everyone else.i think if governmotent asks us to pay few thousand pounds to get legal in UK, then i welcome it and i think everybody should do so. Thank you so much for reading.