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A potential overhaul of the UK’s migration system could leave thousands of families in dire straits, as proposals from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood may compel migrant parents to relinquish essential benefits. Experts warn that the changes, aimed at tightening requirements for settled status, could escalate child poverty and generate further instability for vulnerable communities.
New Proposals Double Wait Time for Settled Status
Under Mahmood’s controversial plan, migrants who have accessed public funds while working could see their wait for settled status extend from 10 years to a staggering 20 years. This move comes as part of a broader effort to modify the existing immigration framework, which already places significant financial and emotional burdens on migrants.
Currently, over 200,000 legal migrants in the UK are navigating the existing 10-year route to indefinite leave to remain (ILR). This process requires them to renew their visas every 30 months, incurring costs upwards of £3,900, which includes healthcare contributions. The ramifications of the proposed changes are alarming, particularly for families who rely on benefits such as child benefit, universal credit, and tax credits.
According to the migration charity Ramfel, families are reporting that they would feel forced to abandon these vital supports to avoid penalties under the new rules. Nick Beales, the charity’s head of campaigning, expressed grave concerns over the impact such policies could have on already vulnerable families, stating, “Our research shows that penalising parents for accessing basic state support will inevitably plunge racialised British children into poverty.”
Families Torn Between Survival and Stability
Many families stand to lose crucial support just to secure their immigration status. A mother, who chose to remain anonymous, articulated the stress of the situation: “It’s like you have to choose between settlement and surviving. It’s ridiculous. A decade of paperwork, a decade of your mental health, a decade of everything, and yet still you’re going to add to that.”
The stark reality is that for many, the prospect of a longer wait for ILR translates into heightened anxiety and decreased quality of life. Ramfel’s research highlights that 90% of surveyed parents using public funds would opt to give them up to avoid punitive measures. This alarming statistic underscores the extent to which families are willing to sacrifice their immediate welfare for a chance at long-term security.
One poignant case involves Julia, a carer and mother of three, who is close to qualifying for ILR. Fearing that accessing benefits would extend her wait by two decades, she opted to forfeit all support, including the 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.
The Larger Impact on Society
The implications of these proposed changes extend beyond individual families. With over 50% of children in surveyed households being British citizens, the creation of a two-tier settlement system risks perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalisation. As Beales noted, the government’s rhetoric around ending child poverty rings hollow if it excludes the most vulnerable members of society.
Despite the government’s assurances of a fairer pathway to settlement, organisations like AdviceUK argue that Mahmood’s proposals are deepening insecurity and inequality for migrants and their families. The consultation on these changes closed on 12 February, and if implemented, the new rules could take effect as early as April, with retroactive application.
Why it Matters
The proposed immigration reforms represent a significant shift in how the UK treats migrant families, particularly those from racialised backgrounds. By forcing parents to choose between essential support and their long-term status, the government risks entrenching poverty and inequality within communities that already face significant challenges. It is crucial for policymakers to reconsider these plans and ensure that all children, regardless of their parents’ immigration status, have access to the support they need for a secure future.
