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A controversial proposal from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is poised to significantly impact families living legally in the UK, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds. Under the new plans, families reliant on in-work benefits may be forced to forgo essential support to avoid harsher immigration penalties, ultimately risking their financial stability and well-being.
Government Proposals to Extend Wait for Settled Status
The latest government initiative aims to double the waiting period for migrants to secure settled status from 10 years to 20 years if they have accessed public funds while employed. This plan affects over 200,000 individuals currently on the pathway to indefinite leave to remain (ILR), who must navigate the expensive and complex process of renewing their 30-month visas multiple times at a total cost of £3,908.50 each time, including healthcare fees.
Experts warn that this new policy could create a chilling effect, compelling families to relinquish benefits such as child benefit, universal credit, tax credits, and disability allowances just to avoid being penalised. Nick Beales, head of campaigning at the migration charity Ramfel, highlighted the dire consequences, stating, “Our research shows that Shabana Mahmood’s plans to penalise migrant parents for needing basic state support will plunge racialised British children into poverty.”
The Human Cost of Policy Changes
Ramfel has reached out to affected families, many of whom expressed their distress over the looming changes. Parents conveyed a sense of desperation, stating they would have “no choice” but to abandon the financial support they need to survive. “It’s like you have to choose between settlement and surviving,” commented one anonymous parent, reflecting the impossible decisions families are being forced to make.
The proposed legislation comes with a promise of a “fairer pathway to settlement,” but organisations like AdviceUK argue that it has instead led to heightened insecurity and inequality for migrant families. Mahmood’s consultation, which closed on 12 February, suggests that the baseline qualifying period for settled status could be reduced under certain circumstances, such as English proficiency or having a child who is a British citizen. However, the proposal also indicates that any reductions would be overshadowed by extended waiting times for those who have accessed public funds.
Families Caught in a Cycle of Fear and Poverty
For many families, the implications of these proposals are already being felt. Julia, a carer and mother of three, has been on the 10-year route to settled status and is just a year away from qualifying. However, fearing that accessing benefits would double her wait time, she has opted to cancel all support, including housing benefit and disability living allowance for her autistic daughter. “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.
A survey conducted by Ramfel revealed that 90% of parents who utilise public funds indicated they would forgo their benefits to avoid penalties, despite the risks of homelessness, debt, and increased hardship. The report highlighted that over half of the children involved in the survey were British citizens, underscoring the detrimental impact of these policies on families who have already faced significant challenges.
The Broader Implications of the Proposed Changes
Launching the consultation in November, Mahmood emphasised the need for contribution and integration within the UK’s “multi-faith, multi-ethnic democracy.” However, critics argue that by equating access to public funds with a lack of merit, the government is perpetuating a system that disproportionately affects lower-income families and further marginalises ethnic minorities.
Why it Matters
The proposed migration policies threaten not only the financial security of immigrant families but also the well-being of their children, many of whom are British citizens. By creating a punitive system that penalises those who rely on basic support, the government risks exacerbating child poverty and inequality in the UK, contradicting its stated goals of fostering a fair and inclusive society. As these discussions unfold, it is crucial to recognise the human stories behind the statistics and advocate for a more compassionate approach to immigration and social support.
