Strangers into Citizens

In the lower reaches of our informal economy, some immigrants are being used in what are little better than conditions of slavery. Yes, it is now unlawful for an employer to give work to an illegal immigrant, but much of the informal economy is unlawful. Illegal immigrants are vulnerable and so can be exploited for a pittance. One day, light will be turned on this near-slavery and disgrace us.

Bill Deedes, Daily Telegraph

(8 September 2006)

Ever since becoming involved with asylum seekers, I have been bemused and infuriated by the unwillingness of government to allow a status that allows visitors here to work without the threat of abuse and exploitation. It looks as if the 'Strangers into Citizens Campaign' is making some waves on that front.

I plan to attend a public meeting about it this month in Sheffield. Join me?

7pm on Monday 26th February

at the Quaker Meeting House, St. James Street, S1

(refreshments from 6.45pm).

Jim Steinke, Chief Executive of the Northern Refugee Centre, will lead the discussion.

Here is a helpful site about the campaign.

Strangers into Citizens has arisen from concerned citizens from faith communities who have befriended irregular migrants and are indignant at the precariousness of their condition, as well as irregular migrants involved in or connected with those communities. All of those who care about this issue ask why it is permissible for a wealthy society which has benefited hugely from the influx of migrants in the past 10-15 years should condemn more than half a million people to insecurity, exploitation and a legal condition in many ways worse than that of prisoners. They question the moral legitimacy of allowing such conditions as part of a strategy of “looking tough” on immigration. They say the dignity of human beings should not be sacrificed for political ends. They say it is wrong to condemn to a precarious state of illegality those who, for very human reasons, have chosen to remain in the UK and make a new life here, and who in many cases have children in schools and make a vital contribution to the nation’s economy and society.