UK government immigration policy moves border into schools, banks, and hospitals

By August 2018, the UK government's "hostile environment" policy, as set out in the 2014 and 2016 Immigration Acts and other measures, was extending the national border into the heart of services such as banking, education, health, and housing where landlords and staff have been forced to implement immigration checks. Students are a particular focus; it is harder to apply to UK universities and work after graduation, and international students must comply with stricter rules on attendance and face periodic document checks. Billing some migrants for healthcare and access to National Heath Services care, and requiring document checks in GPs' surgeries, hospitals, and schools undermines the core principles of the health service and undermines children's human right to an education. The policy is also thought to be contributing to homelessness and exacerbating discrimination.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/01/hostile-environment-immigrants-crept-into-schools-hospitals-homes-border-guards

tags: UK, immigration, border controls, education, health, human rights
Writer: Simon Usborne
Publication: Guardian
Publication date: 2018-08-01