Historically borders only existed at state boundaries, now however over the last year the government has repeatedly stated adamant that:

“border control can no longer be a fixed line on a map”

From Tuesday non-Europeans applying for, or renewing visas for study or marriage, will be required to attend a UK Border Agency centre. There they will be interrogated, fingerprinted, have their details stored on a database, and will be presented with a biometric ID Card. This is the first step in a wider strategy of internalising border controls so we all have to carry cards.