‘Refugees are terrified’ of Labour move to deny them citizenship

Labour home secretary Yvette Cooper wants to deny refugees British citizenship (Picture: UK Home Office)

The Labour government wants to deny citizenship to refugees who were forced to make treacherous journeys to safety in Britain.

Refugees already had to wait ten years before they could apply for British citizenship. But new guidance announced last week will make it even more difficult for them to make a life. 

It says immigration officials should now refuse citizenship to those who didn’t come through a “legal route”. 

Julian Bild, an immigration lawyer, said it would have “a massive impact” on the people he represents. “My clients are really worried because this sends a message that they are not welcome,” he told Socialist Worker. 

“Citizenship means a lot to refugees—it means safety and belonging. Refugees are terrified. They were on a path to citizenship, but now they face a brick wall.” 

Julian said the “announcement was a big shock” as “there was no discussion and no way to challenge it”. 

“The guidelines are plainly unlawful,” he explained. “The international convention on refugees states that refugees don’t have a choice about how they escape. 

“The government is punishing people for daring to claim asylum.” 

He added, “Many refugees don’t get access to legal advice. Many are being deported even though they have the right to stay. 

“The immigration raids are targeting vulnerable people, who have been trafficked and exploited.” 

Sally was a foster carer for a young refugee who is hoping to be granted citizenship in the next few months. “It sent waves of fear through refugees,” she told Socialist Worker. 

“These are people who have jumped through every hoop, passed every test, and have often spent years in limbo. 

“While waiting for the Home Office to make a decision about whether to grant him five years leave to remain, our foster son did not have any ID. 

Labour is ramping up racism in an attempt to outflank the far right party Reform UK.

“Refugees spend thousands of pounds to apply for British Citizenship and if you get rejected the Home Office do not return your money. You have to pay around £1,900 to apply for citizenship and if you are rejected, they keep the money. 

“And if you pass—but you don’t return your refugee card within five days—you get fined £1000.” 

Sally added, “If you have no citizenship, you cannot travel to many countries in Europe, you have no security. You are not equal to other people.” 

“I remember, nine years ago Yvette Cooper went to Calais and met refugee children and argued for ‘safe passage’ for these kids. 

“But it is the same children who will be affected by this change. We need safe routes for refugees.”

Labour is ramping up racism in an attempt to outflank the far right party Reform UK. The Home Office last week released footage of immigration raids on nearly 1,000 premises, including nail bars, car washes and restaurants. Such moves will only boost Reform UK. 

Anti-racists have to fight against the Labour government’s scapegoating and the far right forces it fuels.