New research finds government's approach to immigration is sparking anger and fear in local communities
Primary page content
The government’s controversial and high-profile immigration campaigns including the ‘Go Home van’, have increased anger and fear in local communities across the UK say researchers from Goldsmiths, University of London.
Dr Yasmin Gunaratnam, Dr Emma Jackson (Department of Sociology) and Dr Will Davies (Department of Politics) are among a team from seven universities looking at the wider effects of controversial Home Office immigration campaigns, such as high-profile immigration enforcement raids.
Their research suggests that the more the government tries to demonstrate that it is tough on immigration, the more the public takes this as an indication that immigration itself must be out of control and a threat in the first place.
The researchers found that fear and anxiety has increased among those who are subject to immigration enforcement measures, but also among some ethnic minority British citizens who feel under threat from increased suspicion.
People who are already worried about immigration are not reassured by the government’s claims to be ‘tough’.
'Tough' measures are increasing fear
The Mapping Immigration Controversy project is led by Dr Hannah Jones from the University of Warwick, with Dr Davies leading on policy research, Dr Gunaratnam leading fieldwork in east London, and Dr Jackson leading fieldwork in Glasgow.
Dr Jones says: “Our research shows that the policy advisers in Westminster are advising governments they must look ‘tough’ on immigration in order to reassure the public that immigration and multiculturalism are good for the country.”
But the researchers have found that in England, Scotland and Wales, the measures that have been taken to do this – such as advertising encouraging ‘illegal’ immigrants to leave the UK; more visible immigration enforcement raids; and advertising advising that some migrants do not have access to public services like the NHS – are actually increasing fear about immigration.
The researchers conducted interviews and focus groups in six areas; Barking and Dagenham, Bradford, Cardiff, Glasgow, Ealing and Hounslow and the West Midlands.
Dr Gunaratnam said: “It’s important to recognise that the Home Office initiatives have also encouraged new forms of activism and support for migrants. As Pragnal Patel, Director of Southall Black Sisters, told us at our briefing for policy makers, our research has helped those who are trying to support vulnerable migrants and communities.”