By Mia Kinsey, Student Intern at Migrant Action
Earlier this year, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson prioritized stopping the arrival of migrants on boats, promising the British people that this will be one of his main goals. To honor this pledge, the proposed legislation introduced by Rishi Sunak known as ‘Stop the Boats’ or Illegal Migration Bill aims to eliminate the use of unlawful entry as a means to seek asylum within the country. As the government tightens border security, the debate surrounding the ethics of stopping the boats has intensified. The UK’s Home Secretary Suella Braverman stated, ‘if you enter Britain illegally you will be detained and swiftly removed’ (AP News, 2023). This article explores the ethical implications of turning away individuals seeking asylum and new for rebuilding their lives, highlighting the impact on public perception, mental health of migrants, and the hardships faced by those struggling to remain in a safe haven.
This article by AP News questions the ethics of the Illegal Migration Bill, suggesting that the plan is inhumane and unfair: https://apnews.com/article/english-channel-migrants-boats-uk-deportation-9722a79fc756fc93f62be6309ffd7068#:~:text=More%20than%2045%2C000%20people%20arrived,without%20the%20right%20to%20work.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees stated that the Illegal Migration Bill ‘would be a clear breach of the Refugee Convention’: https://www.unhcr.org/uk/what-we-do/uk-asylum-and-policy/uk-asylum-and-policy-and-illegal-migration-bill
STATE HOSILITY AND RACIALISED MIGRATION.
The surge in border security measures has inadvertently contributed to a negative perspective of migrants among the general public. Such policies can reinforce stereotypes and create an environment that fosters discrimination and racism. By associating unauthorised entry with criminality, migrants are often unfairly stigmatised, further marginalising already vulnerable individuals. This perpetuation of negative narrative undermines the principles of compassion and empathy that should guide our response to those in need. It is crucial to reiterate that migration brings significant economic and social benefits. The NHS and social care sectors, for example, heavily rely on the contributions of migrant labour. Over the past decade, approximately half of the increase in the health and social care workforce can be attributed to individuals who were born outside of the UK (ias, n.d.). This highlights the invaluable role migrants play in sustaining essential services. By recognising the positive impact of migration, we can challenge misconceptions and promote a more inclusive environment in the UK.
‘Correcting media myths about refugees and migrants’, this article debunks many of the problematic misconceptions that are constructed through the media and migration policy that criminalises refugees and migrants: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/correcting-media-myths-about-refugees-and-migrants?TSPD_101_R0=080713870fab2000c3fe060d73855faf96b34404bd6b37f38c5d9c9e5fe64347745a0ed3e9a339ff0884ccea04143000fccaac8eaa48227f34daaf643b7433cd09c6f3f02ec7617751f6c71bf7b36192a6544fd853c8373bb1d138a18282397a
For information on how migrants continue to support the NHS, visit this website article: https://total.law/blog/history-of-overseas-workers-in-the-nhs/
MENTAL HEALTH IMPACTS AND HARDSHIP.
For migrants seeking asylum, the journey itself is often marked by trauma and peril. The tightening of border security exacerbates their vulnerability and increases psychological distress. Being turned away or facing lengthy processing periods can compound existing mental health issues and lead to a sense of hopelessness and despair. The lack of adequate support and resources for these individuals further deepens their hardship, prolonging their suffering and inhibiting their ability to rebuild their lives. The choice of emotive language, such as the phrase ‘stop the boats’, used to refer to the proposed legislation, perpetuates a sense of fight and opposition surrounding migration. Ironically, this language echoes the hostility and trauma that many migrants are escaping. It creates a stark contrast between the expectation of finding sanctuary, kindness, compassion, and hope, and the reality of encountering hostility. The damaging nature of such wording goes beyond its symbolic impact. It shapes public perception and influences policy discourse, often framing migrants as a threat or burden rather than as individuals in need of protection. This not only adds to the challenges migrants face but also undermines the principles of empathy and compassion that should guide our response to their plight.
This article explains how the introduction of the Illegal Migration Bill will ‘traumatise ‘ refugees and asylum seekers: https://www.bigissue.com/news/social-justice/illegal-migration-bill-damage-mental-health-asylum-seekers/
For some more information on the mental health of migrants and refugees, consult this research paper: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3168672/
THE STRUGGLE OF THOSE WHO ARRIVE ON BOATS.
Even for those who manage to reach their destination through irregular means, the battle is far from over. Individuals who arrive on boats face numerous challenges in establishing their status and accessing necessary services. The fear of deportation looms over them, particularly with recent talk of implementing the Rwanda Plan, preventing them from fully integrating into society and hindering their ability to build stable lives. This precarious existence often leaves them susceptible to exploitation and further marginalisation.
British Red Cross and Refugee Council express concern about the heightened risks of poverty and exploitation faced by those migrants and refugees who are undocumented: https://www.redcross.org.uk/about-us/news-and-media/media-centre/press-releases/fears-of-deportation-put-asylum-seekers-at-risk
This article tells the story of a 16-year old Sudanese refugee who fears deportation during her GCSE studies: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/teen-faces-deportation-to-sudan-ann-bashir-gcses-180238737.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAADhNigAufx4JQ6W92kGuUFFCn0xzyv-RuktUZST5kVCD59oKP016QCZzzwhmgegnbcSF9gM2pCJ3DRqIVSGwj0akNbN2vdL4dzSNeo3ToE91CEvaLQ1BOfRksxQAVHbe1I–N1bNInvUPfh2JXraf6Ez7RLB3_DMFzCvgqUtp0Ng
WHAT ARE WE AT MIGRANT ACTION DOING TO COMBAT THIS ISSUE?
- Providing direct support by offering essential support services to migrants, including legal advice, advocacy, and assistance in accessing healthcare, housing, and education.
- Facilitating integration programs and initiatives that foster understanding, cultural exchange, and social inclusion between migrant communities and local residents.
- Raising awareness of the challenges faced by migrants, subverting negative narratives through providing information and promoting community engagement.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Raising awareness and taking action are crucial steps towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate society. Here are a few ways you can contribute to supporting those in need and advocating for change:
- Educate yourself and others: stay informed about migration issues, challenge misconceptions, and engage in constructive conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. Share accurate information to counter negative narratives.
- Support migrant charities: contribute your time, resources, or donations to organisations working directly with migrants. You can find our donation button at the top of our front page!
- Engage with local communities: foster understanding and solidarity by engaging with migrant communities in your area. Attend cultural events, build connections, and promote inclusivity and acceptance.
- Contact your representatives: write letters or emails to your elected officials, expressing concerns about the impact of border tightening measures and advocating for policies that prioritise compassion and the protection of human rights.
The ethical dilemma surrounding turning away individuals seeking asylum requires our collective attention and action. By challenging negative perceptions, addressing mental health needs, and supporting those who have arrived on boats, we can strive for a more just and humane approach. Together, we can build a society that embraces compassion and empathy, standing up for the rights and well-being of those in desperate need of refuge.
