As of 19 May 2023, the Illegal Migration Bill has reached Committee Stage in the House of Lords. RSI believes that proposals in the Bill would restrict citizenship rights for generations of migrants and could leave children stateless.
We urge the UK government to remove clauses 2 and 29 – 34 from the Bill.
The Illegal Migration Bill would impose severe and life-changing repercussions for those who may travel to the UK without the necessary documentation. These consequences include the detention and removal of arrivals, and the permanent barring of many asylum-seekers and others -- including survivors of human trafficking -- from ever becoming British citizens. The government is taking this draconian, punitive approach despite the realities that drive people to seek asylum, currently insufficient legal routes for migration to the UK, and increasing problems with slavery in the UK.
Many of the Bill's proposals would violate the European Convention on Human Rights and international human rights laws or norms.
To comply with human rights frameworks and prevent unjust limitations on citizenship rights, the UK government should remove clauses 2 and 29 – 34 from the Illegal Migration Bill.
Read our full briefing below.
Check out other news of interest
