When Statewatch published the pamphlet Crimes of arrival in 1995, the ‘crimes’ were a metaphorical reference to the way in which the government viewed the arrival on British soil of migrants and asylum seekers. Over a decade later, a recent publication by the same author documents how the metaphor has become a literal truth. ‘Border
Theme: Education
The fight over ESOL continues
The Save ESOL Campaign comprising, over 50 organisations, marches on 28 April against the recent cuts to English classes for immigrants and asylum seekers. The march is to highlight the fact that many migrant workers and refugees need these English classes in order to play a full part in society. The campaigners want the ESOL
Still human still here
The Refugee Council has launched a campaign to help end the destitution suffered by refused asylum seekers. The campaign argues that using poverty as a means of getting people to leave the country is both ineffective and inhumane. It is calling on the government to: end the threat and use of destitution as a tool
Rights for women seeking asylum
A new CD for women seeking asylum contains a large amount of information on women’s rights and valuable tips for getting through the process. ‘Are you a woman seeking asylum in the UK?’ was produced by Asylum Aid as part of its campaign to bring greater awareness of the Home Office’s Gender Guidance Policy adopted
Security and Insecurity
A recent report assesses the impact of anti-terrorism measures on refugees and asylum seekers. The latest research report from the Refugee Council has found that refugees and asylum seekers also feel threatened by terrorist attacks. Also, they do support anti-terrorist measures but believe that the vast majority of such policies have had a negative impact
Help get Alphonsus out of detention
The deportation of Biafran activist Alphonsus Uche Okafor-Mefor to Nigeria has been halted after vigorous campaigning by several groups, including trade unions. Nevertheless, he remains detained at Tinsley House Removal Centre awaiting the outcome of a judicial review of his case. Prior to his detention in the UK, Alphonsus was due to speak at a
New IRR report catalogues appalling treatment of Europe’s ‘foreign’ children
The UK and the other countries of Europe are signatories to children’s rights conventions and yet they are systematically robbing a whole group of children of their basic, human rights by classifying them not as children but as foreigners and asylum seekers. In a new report from the Institute of Race Relations (IRR), ‘They are
Children seeking asylum – problems and prejudices
A new report explores the world of children seeking asylum in the UK and the legislation, practices, misconceptions and injustices surrounding the application of the law towards this vulnerable group. At a time when asylum seekers are the objects of a politically-infused debate, this report about unaccompanied or separated children seeking asylum, is an eye-opener.
Dangers of the UK Borders Bill
A leading immigration lawyer points out the dangers in the UK Borders Bill. The UK Borders Bill, which had its second reading on 5 February 2007, continues the trend of previous legislation, giving immigration officers further powers, decreasing the rights of those subject to immigration control and creating further duties and penalties for them. Its
New destitution network established
A new national network has been established to examine statutory responses to destitute people from abroad with no recourse to public funds (NRPF)*. The NRPF Network was developed in response to concerns about the complexity of the law governing practice in this area, the lack of statutory guidance for local authorities, the increasing costs of