We all deserve to be treated fairly and equally. We all deserve to be able to earn a living, get support when we need it and to feel secure in our homes, no matter where we're from. That's what makes our communities stronger.
But for too long, we've lived with a politics of division. Migrants are treated as "temporary" residents for years, even decades. Maintaining the right to remain in the UK usually means meeting strict conditions, and renewing this right is expensive and complex. A small error, a short period of illness or just bad luck can leave someone without status, changing the course of a life. Once that happens, the system makes it almost impossible to change course and get status back.
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Report from The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants shines a spotlight on the devastating impact of Hostile Environment policies during the pandemic. (January 2022) Read more
Our ground-breaking research explores the reality of life for undocumented migrants in the UK today. Based on in-depth interviews with undocumented people, we explore how people become undocumented, and propose simple, workable reforms to break the cycle of insecure immigration status. (April 2021) Read more
On 19 July 2021, MPs debated issues facing undocumented migrants in the UK. Here is what is at stake and what MPs said. Read more
The UK's immigration system, and the Hostile Environment, drive people out of legal status and stoke divisions. But it doesn't have to be this way - take action now Read more
What is the hostile environment? Who is impacted by the hostile environment? How is the hostile environment connected to the Windrush scandal? All your questions answered. Read more
Jack's life was put on hold, and then at risk, by the UK's complex, expensive and cruel immigration system. Read more
Resist + Persist: Your toolkit of information and resources to resist the Hostile Environment and put the power back in your hands. Read more
Our briefing for Parliamentarians ahead of the Westminster Hall debate on undocumented migrants on 19 July 2021. Read more
The pandemic has shaken up our whole world order. We see each other now - the workers all around us, keeping the country going. But for those without immigration status, life is difficult and dangerous. Read more
Consolata was separated from her 6-year-old daughter for five months Read more
Akunna came to the UK to study, 13 years ago. A period of poor mental health saw him struggling with his course, and with it, losing his right to remain in the UK. His mental health spiralled as he struggled to find a way to regain the right to be in the UK with his family. This is his story. Read more