Politics
February 12, 2025 15:42
united kingdom - Asylum seekers entering the UK illegally are now ineligible for British citizenship, aiming to deter illegal immigration.
New Immigration Regulations in the UK
As of this week, asylum seekers who entered the UK illegally can no longer apply for British citizenship. Previously, a ten-year residency was required for official British status, but this has been revoked to dissuade illegal immigration.
The government proudly reported a significant increase in deportations of illegal immigrants without asylum rights, with nearly 20,000 individuals returned to their home countries since last year's election victory, a 25% rise from the previous year.
Despite the stricter immigration policy, the Labour government faces challenges as Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, gains popularity. Premier Keir Starmer acknowledges public concerns regarding rising immigration levels.
Labour's tougher stance on immigration has caused internal unrest. Some party members, like Diane Abbott, question the strategy of appealing to Reform UK voters, suggesting a more robust approach may be favored by those prioritizing immigration issues.
Labour is investing significant resources in voluntary departures of illegal immigrants, providing £3,000 each for integration and allocating over £400 million for return flights. Reports reveal the high costs associated with deporting individuals, raising questions about the effectiveness of the measures.
Challenges persist as excuses are found to retain illegal immigrants in the UK, such as in cases involving family considerations or preferences. Concerns arise over a potential new wave of immigrants, exemplified by a recent ruling allowing Palestinians from Gaza to apply for visas under a UK program initially designed for Ukrainian refugees.
Although the Home Office rejected the Palestinian family's asylum request, a British court ruled in favor, citing European Human Rights provisions, highlighting ongoing complexities in UK immigration policies.