Chapter 28
UK immigration policy in a hostile environment
Chapter Summary
Chapter 28 presents an overview of UK immigration policy, with particular focus on the concept of the “hostile environment” introduced by Theresa May in 2012. The text traces the evolution of British immigration control from its beginnings in 1905 through to 2024, examining how border control has become increasingly restrictive and embedded in everyday life. It explores various aspects of immigration policy, including gender-based discrimination, asylum seeking, and the points-based system. It details significant events such as the Windrush Scandal and the Rwanda Plan, while also examining how immigration controls have extended beyond physical borders into daily life through “everyday bordering” practices. The text discusses various forms of resistance to immigration policies, including migrant-led civic groups and solidarity campaigns. It contextualizes UK immigration within broader international frameworks, noting that the UK hosts a relatively small proportion of the world’s displaced people compared to countries like Iran, Turkey, and Germany. The chapter also examines how immigration has been a major electoral issue, with various political parties adopting increasingly restrictive stances on immigration control over time.
Learning Objectives
- To outline the history of migration and migration control in the UK.
- To explain the different terminologies and categories of migration control in the UK.
- To demonstrate changes in immigration policy over time, and the contexts and some impacts of these changes.
- To outline how migration control affects everyday life within the UK.
Quizzes
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Discussion Questions
- The “hostile environment” policy was introduced to reduce illegal immigration, but it has been widely criticised for its impact on legal residents, racial discrimination, and bureaucratic failures. To what extent do you think immigration enforcement should involve landlords, employers, and public services?
- The UK government has faced legal and ethical challenges regarding deportation policies such as the Rwanda Plan and Windrush Scandal. Should the UK prioritise strict border enforcement, or should policies focus more on human rights and migrant integration?
Weblinks
UK Immigration Rules – The official government site outlining the UK’s immigration policies and regulations. (www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules)
Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) – A campaign group advocating for immigrant rights and against restrictive immigration policies. (www.jcwi.org.uk/Pages/Category/ending-the-hostile-environment)
Migration Observatory – A research body providing data-driven analysis on UK migration. (https://migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/)
Missing Migrants Project – A global initiative documenting migrant deaths and disappearances. (https://missingmigrants.iom.int/)
Our Migration Story – A historical resource tracing migration patterns in Britain from ancient to modern times. (https://www.ourmigrationstory.org.uk/)
EU Families & Eurochildren in Brexit Britain – A research project exploring the impact of Brexit on EU migrant families in the UK. (https://eurochildren.info/)
Windrush Lessons Learned Review – A government-commissioned report analysing the Windrush Scandal and its policy implications. (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/876336/6.5577_HO_Windrush_Lessons_Learned_Review_LoResFinal.pdf)
Flashcards
Refresh your knowledge of key terms with this chapter’s flashcards.
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