Welcome to Britain: Fixing Our Broken Immigration System

The UK is not a welcoming country for Paddington Bear, with people born in Britain being told they are not British, those who have lived their entire lives on the shores threatened with deportation, and falling in love with anyone other than a British national can result in families being ripped apart. Campaigner and immigration barrister Colin Yeo tackles the subject with dexterity and rigour, offering a roadmap of where we should go from here.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: Biteback Publishing

Britain portrays itself as a welcoming nation, but the reality is far different. This is a system where individuals born in Britain are unequivocally told that they are not British, where those who have called these shores their home for their entire lives face the threat of deportation, and where falling in love with someone other than a British national can lead to families being torn apart. This book, written by campaigner and immigration barrister Colin Yeo, is a crucial and alarming exploration of the subject. It provides a roadmap for where we should go from here, as Yeo exposes the injustice of an immigration system that is unforgiving, unfeeling, and ultimately failing.

The UK's immigration system is complex and multifaceted, with a wide range of policies and regulations that affect the lives of individuals seeking to enter the country. One of the most controversial aspects of the system is the high cost of visa application fees, which can be a significant barrier for many people seeking to immigrate. For example, the cost of a visa for a family of four can range from £1,500 to £2,000, making it difficult for low-income families to afford to move to the UK.

In addition to the financial costs, many immigrants face discrimination and prejudice in the UK. They may be subjected to racial profiling, harassment, and violence, which can make it difficult for them to feel safe and secure in their communities. This discrimination can have a devastating impact on their mental health and well-being, and can lead to social isolation and loneliness.

Another issue that is often raised is the treatment of immigrants in detention centres. These centres are often overcrowded and understaffed, and the conditions in which immigrants are held are often harsh and inhumane. Immigrants may be subjected to long periods of detention without access to proper medical care, legal representation, or the opportunity to communicate with their families.

The Nationality and Borders Bill, which was introduced in the UK Parliament in 2022, has been met with widespread criticism and opposition. The bill proposes to introduce new measures to tighten immigration controls, including the introduction of a points-based system for determining who can enter the country. The bill also proposes to increase the length of time that immigrants can be detained in detention centres, and to introduce new powers to deport immigrants who are deemed to be a threat to the UK's security.

While the Nationality and Borders Bill has been met with criticism, it is important to recognize that there are also positive aspects to the UK's immigration system. The country has a rich history of immigration and has welcomed many people from different cultures and backgrounds. The UK has also been a leader in promoting human rights and social justice, and has implemented policies to support vulnerable groups, such as refugees and asylum seekers.

However, it is clear that the UK's immigration system needs to be reformed to address the issues that have been raised. The high cost of visa application fees, discrimination, and prejudice, and the harsh conditions in detention centres are all unacceptable and must be addressed. The Nationality and Borders Bill is a step in the right direction. In conclusion, Britain thinks of itself as a welcoming country, but the reality is very different. This is a system in which people born in Britain are told in uncompromising terms that they are not British, in which those who have lived their entire lives on these shores are threatened with deportation, and in which falling in love with anyone other than a British national can result in families being ripped apart. Now fully updated to include the Nationality and Borders Bill, in this vital and alarming book, campaigner and immigration barrister Colin Yeo tackles the subject with dexterity and rigour, offering a roadmap of where we should go from here as he exposes the injustice of an immigration system that is unforgiving, unfeeling, and, ultimately, failing.

ISBN-13: 9781785907364