Experiments in Automating Immigration Systems

The Home Office in the UK has been using automated systems for immigration decisions, which have caused distress, disruption, and deportation. This book identifies a pattern of risky experimentation with automated systems and argues for a precautionary approach to ensure society benefits from government automation without exposing individuals to unacceptable risks.

Format: Hardback
Length: 130 pages
Publication date: 25 January 2022
Publisher: Bristol University Press

In recent years, the United Kingdom's Home Office has ventured into the realm of automated systems to streamline and expedite immigration decision-making processes. The purported benefits of these systems include faster, more accurate, and cost-effective decision-making, which have garnered significant attention and enthusiasm. However, the reality of their implementation has brought forth a range of unintended consequences, including distress, disruption, and even deportation for individuals. This book serves as a valuable exploration of a concerning pattern of risky experimentation with automated systems within the Home Office. It delves into three recent case studies, encompassing a voice recognition system employed to detect fraud in English-language testing, an algorithm designed to identify "risky visa applications," and automated decision-making within the EU Settlement Scheme. Through meticulous analysis, the book sheds light on the potential risks and vulnerabilities associated with these automated systems. It argues fervently that a precautionary approach is paramount to safeguard society's interests while ensuring that individuals are not subjected to unacceptable risks in the wake of government automation. By examining these case studies and advocating for a more cautious and responsible approach, this book contributes to a broader understanding of the ethical and practical implications of automating immigration processes.

Weight: 248g
Dimension: 134 x 210 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529219845