FROM STRANGERS INTO CITIZENS: AN AMNESTY FOR IRREGULAR MIGRANTS
22 April 2009 22:47
From Strangers into Citizens: an amnesty for irregular migrants
There are currently over 725,000 undocumented migrants living in the UK, many of whom are Muslims. These are a combination of refused asylum seekers and visa overstayers. Many of them are here to stay, either because they are afraid to go back, or do not want to go back because they have jobs and livelihoods in the UK. Many of them are paying taxes and contributing to the economic growth of the UK. A number also include asylum-seekers prevented from working who are asking for the dignity of being allowed to do so. They feel and act British, and yet they are not treated so. These thousands have no access to health care and live in constant terror. They are exploited by employers and the black market, but can not report crimes for the fear that the police will turn on them. They remain in the shadows and suffer inequalities. If this is not unjust then what is?
Continuing with the current system is out of the question. Not only does it further the inhumane treatment of migrants themselves, it has major social costs on wider society. It forces people into the black market via illegal employment, creates fragmented communities, and leaves the government losing millions of taxpayers’ money in the administration of a broken system. Similarly, mass deportation is not feasible, something the Government - which is forcibly removing about 20,000 people a year – admits. As highlighted in a recent LSE report, even if it were practicable, it would cost the taxpayer £8bn and take 34 years.
The only option is an amnesty!
The Strangers into Citizens campaign, organised by the broad-based alliance London Citizens, calls for a one-off regularisation measure for long-term migrants. We propose that those who have been here for four or more years should be admitted into a two-year pathway to full legal rights during which they work legally and demonstrate their contribution to the UK economy and society. After this two-year period, subject to a clean criminal record, references from employers or community leaders and an English test, they would be afforded permanent leave to remain.
We believe the case for such a regularization program is compelling on both humanitarian and economic, as well as fiscal and administrative grounds. Since the campaign was launched in Autumn 2006, with the backing of faith leaders, trade unions and migrant support groups, the campaign has made rapid political progress, now counting the Conservative mayor of London and the Liberal-Democrat party among its principal advocates. There is also an Early Day Motion (EDM) table at Parliament, which is steadily gaining signatures.
We see an amnesty as a practical solution. For those that question the financial implications of such a regularization program on the UK, the addition of these migrants as fully fledged citizens would generate a potential £1 billion in tax revenue. An amnesty would help to curb further illegal immigration by concentrating resources on targeting human-traffickers, drug traffickers, international criminals and terrorists. It would extend the state’s control over the underground economy, helping to prevent exploitation. And it would relieve mosques and churches from the burden of rescuing from destitution people who are quite capable of working but lack the opportunity to do so. A regularisation may in fact help bring the UK out of the economic downturn more quickly, as deporting valuable and active members of our communities who are able and willing to work legally and pay tax is doing nothing to ease the national debt crisis. The case for regularising undocumented migrants is stronger and not during these difficult economic times. We just can’t afford to ignore this any longer.
Other European countries have carried out similar regularisation measures as a way of closing the gap between law and reality. Spain, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands and Germany have all introduced some form of wide-ranging regularisation in the past few years. We believe it is time now for the UK to do the same.
The Strangers into Citizens campaign is principally about doing what it is right – for the good of everyone. Long-term irregular migrants are individuals and families who interact with their community. They have put down roots in the UK. They belong to our society, and deserve to be recognized as such. That’s why the campaign calls for a residence requirement, along with employer and community references. This is not a general amnesty, but a carefully thought out pathway into citizenship for those who participate as such in all but legal right.
On Bank Holiday Monday May 4th, Strangers into Citizens is organising a rally in support of the thousands, who belong to the UK but are not recognised as such. Thousands will gather in Trafalgar Square from midday, waving Union Jack flags and making noise to send a clear message: that we can no longer ignore the large number of sub citizens in our midst, who belong yet are not recognised. We can no longer stay silent. Will you be there?
Visit www.strangersintocitizens.org.uk to find out more about the proposal as well as reading the stories from the people who live in the shadows.
If you want to act there are several steps you can take:
1 –Visit/Write to your local MP’s to encourage them to sign EDM 714 to show their support for such an action. You can find a template letter at www.strangersintocitizens.org.uk/pages/get-involved/lobby-elected-leaders.htm or visit them at their local surgeries.
2 – Attend the rally on May 4th. We will be gathering at Tothill Street at 11.30am to march on to Trafalgar Square. See the flyer for more information.
3-Become a steward on May 4th. Visit the website for more details and to sign up. You have to be 18 years or over to be a steward.
