Attacks on asylum feed racism and intolerance

The government’s new Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill received its third reading on 13 June, despite opposition to many of its proposals from MPs, refugee organisations and the National Assembly Against Racism.

Most opposition centred around the denial of mainstream education to children in the ‘accommodation centres’ where refugees would be assigned to. However, the government ensured that no vote took place on this issue, and the Bill was voted through parliament on 12 June by 362 to 74.
Lesbian and gay asylum seekers will be even more isolated, not just from people already resident here who have also fled from the same country, but will find it even more difficult to gain support from the lesbian and gay community. As lesbians and gay men, we should be arguing for a society that welcomes diversity and difference, and fighting for the rights of those claiming asylum due to persecution and oppression in their country, to seek sanctuary here.

The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill:

confirms the scrapping of vouchers, but does not change the level of support which is 70 per cent of basic income support and is dependent on accepting places in accommodation centres.

introduces a system of induction, accommodation and removal centres, which will separate asylum seekers from wider society. Asylum-seekers who choose to live elsewhere will be refused any other support.

‘prohibits a child who is a resident of an accommodation centre from attending a maintained school or nursery’.

introduces powers to remove children born in Britain

will deport those whose asylum application is refused, and they will have to appeal from outside Britain.

will raise the punishment for ‘harbouring an illegal immigrant’ from six months to 14 years imprisonment.

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