Ben, your words could very well describe what is happening in Italy (the North at least). Immigration is a major business here, “accoglienza” (i.e. acceptancy of immigrants) is state funded and is an industry. 

We are not yet at the UK level, but it is just a matter of time. 

 On the face of it you’d assume any country geographically south of the UK in Europe would have higher immigration than the UK.

I guess UK has higher incentives (economic, language, education, welfare, healthcare, etc.). 

 Many immigrants come to Italy just as a starting point to the rest of Europe. But many stay here… young males of course.

The left and the Church are the driving forces in favour of immigration. 

 Why are the church? 

 The Catholic Church is in the “helping business” and is more and more a “third world church”.