**
A proposed overhaul of immigration regulations by the UK government threatens to place undue hardship on migrant families, compelling them to relinquish essential state support to avoid extended waiting periods for settled status. Experts warn that these changes, spearheaded by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, could exacerbate child poverty and create a two-tier system that discriminates against lower-income families.
The Proposed Changes
Under the current 10-year route to settled status, migrants are required to renew their visas multiple times at significant cost before they can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). This process can become prohibitively expensive, with each renewal costing £3,908.50, including healthcare surcharges. However, Mahmood’s latest proposals would double the wait for those who have accessed public funds while in work—from 10 to 20 years.
This initiative has sparked significant concern among advocacy groups and families alike. The migration charity Ramfel has engaged with numerous parents who express a dire need to choose between financial assistance and the chance for a permanent residency status. Many fear that if the legislation is enacted, they would have “no choice” but to forgo vital benefits such as child benefit, universal credit, tax credits, and disability support.
The Impact on Families
Nick Beales, head of campaigning at Ramfel, highlighted the severe implications of this policy change, stating that it could force parents into extreme work schedules—up to 80 hours a week—while simultaneously deepening child poverty. “This plan to penalise migrant parents for needing basic state support will not only harm children in the immediate term but will also have lasting effects on their future prospects,” he said.
A recent survey conducted by Ramfel revealed that a staggering 90% of parents using public funds expressed a willingness to forfeit these benefits, despite the looming threat of homelessness and financial instability. Many of these families are already grappling with the challenges of making ends meet, juggling childcare and work commitments, and struggling to afford basic necessities.
Julia, a mother and carer who is one year away from qualifying for ILR, shared her troubling experience. Although entitled to various benefits, she has chosen to cancel them out of fear that accessing support would extend her wait for permanent status by 20 years. “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.
The Broader Implications
The proposed changes have drawn criticism from organisations like AdviceUK, which argue that the new “fairer pathway to settlement” is fraught with insecurity and inequality for migrants. The consultation period for Mahmood’s plans closed on February 12, and there are concerns that the changes could be enacted as early as April, potentially affecting families retroactively.
While the government suggests that exceptions might apply for individuals demonstrating English proficiency or volunteering, these concessions do not alleviate the primary concerns. The prospect of prolonged uncertainty regarding ILR is causing distress among many who are already navigating the complexities of life as migrants in the UK.
Why it Matters
The implications of Shabana Mahmood’s proposed changes extend far beyond paperwork and waiting times; they threaten the very fabric of family stability for countless migrant households. By penalising those who rely on public support, the government risks deepening poverty among vulnerable populations, perpetuating cycles of hardship that could affect generations to come. As the nation grapples with the complexities of migration, the focus must be on fostering inclusivity rather than creating barriers that disproportionately impact those already facing significant challenges.
