Ending the Hostile Environment

Since 2012, it has been an explicit aim of Government immigration policy to create a ‘hostile environment’ for anybody unable to demonstrate their immigration status on demand. From the 'Go Home' vans driven through ethnically diverse neighbourhoods to passport checks in hospitals and schools, the government has worked to create a climate of fear and hostility, criminalising and impoverishing those who may find themselves without status. These are the same policies that have seen long-term residents of the UK, including members of the Windrush Generation, denied healthcare and the right to work and even detained or removed illegally.

JCWI has long warned of the devastating consequences of these measures. And we're working hard, with many others across the UK, to dismantle the Hostile Environment and fight for better, fairer policies.

Will you support our vital work?

Windrush scandal explained

Who are the Windrush generation? What is the Windrush scandal? Why did the Windrush scandal happen? All your questions answered. Read more

Windrush Lessons Learned Review published

Nearly two years since the Windrush scandal first hit the headlines, the government has finally released the independent review into what went wrong. Read more

Protecting migrants from Covid-19

Our open letter to the Home Secretary, calling for urgent changes to ensure the safety of all migrants in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more

Add your name to the open letter

We have jointly written to the Home Secretary to call for urgent changes to ensure the safety of all migrants in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more

Home Office charter flight on 11 February

The government wants to deport dozens of people from their home here in the UK - but it hasn't learned anything from the Windrush scandal Read more

Right to Rent

We're fighting to get the Government's "Right to Rent" scheme scrapped. Read more

Right to Rent Open Letter

Over 80 organisations have written to MPs, calling on them to scrap the Hostile Environment, and the unlawful Right to Rent checks Read more

Right to Rent: A Tenant's Guide to Landlord Immigration Checks - November 2016

Access to healthcare

Nobody should be denied life-saving care based on their immigration status. We're working hard to prevent the government from building a border in our hospitals and surgeries. Read more

Dossier of Failure

JCWI and Liberty have published a Dossier of Failure, detailing the need for an Independent Commission into the systematic failures which culminated in the Windrush scandal. Read more

Right to Rent declared unlawful: What next?

The High Court has found a key part of the Hostile Environment to be unlawful. What can MPs do now? Read more

Latest

COVID-19 Briefing to the Home Affairs Select Committee

Our briefing to the Home Affairs Select Committee on the Home Office response to COVID-19 and the urgent changes needed to protect public health and the safety of migrants in the UK.

Ask your MP to protect families affected by COVID-19

At times like these, family is more important than ever. Write to your MP now to ensure families affected by COVID-19 are protected, and can stay together no matter what

Windrush Lessons Learned Review

JCWI's briefing on the Windrush Lessons Learned Review, which was published on 19 March 2020.

COVID-19 and Spouse/Partner visas

In times like these, family is more important than ever. That's why we're working to ensure that families affected by COVID-19 are protected, and that everybody can access the support they need

Guaranteeing Settled Status for EEA Nationals

JCWI's briefing on the Government's Settled Status for EEA nationals

Tragedy in Essex as 39 people lose their lives

There is tragic news coming from Essex today, where 39 people have lost their lives. The government must take responsibility for the lack of safe and legal routes to the UK, which drive people to desperate measures and makes them vulnerable to exploitative smugglers.