A significant shift in the UK’s immigration policy could force migrant families to relinquish vital financial support, leading to increased hardship and child poverty. The proposed changes from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood would double the wait for settled status to 20 years for those who have accessed public funds, including child benefits and universal credit, even while employed. This alarming development has raised concerns among advocacy groups and families who fear the repercussions of such punitive measures.
Proposed Changes to Settled Status
Currently, over 200,000 individuals in the UK are on a 10-year pathway to settled status, which requires them to renew their visas at a considerable cost of £3,908.50 every 30 months, including healthcare fees. Under Mahmood’s new proposals, if migrants utilise public funds during their time in the UK, their wait for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) would extend to an unprecedented 20 years. This change is viewed as a direct punishment for those seeking essential support while attempting to build their lives in Britain.
Nick Beales, head of campaigning for the migration charity Ramfel, highlighted the detrimental impact this could have on families. He stated, “Our research shows that Shabana Mahmood’s plans to penalise migrant parents for needing basic state support will plunge racialised British children into poverty.” Beales emphasised that the government’s commitment to tackling child poverty rings hollow if it does not encompass all children, urging the immediate scrapping of the proposed “earned settlement model.”
Families Face Dire Choices
One mother, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed her despair, saying, “It’s like you have to choose between settlement and surviving. It’s ridiculous.” Many families are now caught in a precarious situation where they feel compelled to forgo necessary benefits—such as housing assistance and disability allowances—out of fear of extending their wait for settled status.
In a survey conducted by Ramfel, 90% of the 51 parents who accessed public funds indicated they would stop using these services to avoid penalties, despite the looming threat of homelessness and financial insecurity. The decision to relinquish financial support is driven by the fear that accessing benefits could add years to their already lengthy path to stability.
A Two-Tier Settlement System
The proposed “earned settlement model” is set to create a two-tier system, disproportionately affecting families from Asian and Black backgrounds, who make up a significant portion of those on the current 10-year route to ILR. For those who have relied on public funds for less than a year, an additional five years would be added to their wait; for those accessing support for longer, the wait could extend by a staggering ten years.
Julia, a carer and mother of three, is one such individual on the cusp of qualifying for ILR. With just one year remaining, she has opted to cancel all her benefits, including the disability living allowance for her autistic daughter, out of fear that accepting any aid would set her back an additional 20 years in her settlement journey. “It feels so unfair that I accessed benefits because I’m on a low wage and now that is being used against me,” she lamented.
Government Response and Community Impact
The government has characterised these changes as part of a broader initiative to encourage contribution and integration within British society. Mahmood stated at the launch of the consultation in November, “To become a part of this country, permanently, is therefore not a right but a privilege – and one that must be earned.” However, this rhetoric has been met with criticism, with many arguing that it fails to acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions made by migrant families.
The consultation on these proposals closed on 12 February, with changes anticipated to be implemented by April. There are concerns that these regulations may apply retroactively, further complicating the lives of those already navigating the complexities of immigration law.
Why it Matters
The ramifications of these proposed changes extend far beyond administrative adjustments; they threaten the very fabric of family life for thousands of migrant families in the UK. By forcing parents to choose between essential benefits and their long-term immigration status, the government risks exacerbating child poverty and undermining the well-being of future generations. As advocates call for a more equitable approach, it becomes increasingly clear that the fight for fair treatment and support for all families, regardless of their background, is more critical than ever.
