In Episode 94, host Sarah Henry interviews immigration expert, Dr. Sue Conlan about the state of immigration in Ireland and the UK. This episode offers an exploration of various pressing issues, including the legal landscape, the impact of political decisions, and the rising tide of xenophobia in both regions.
The conversation touches on pivotal moments such as Brexit, which has reshaped the immigration framework, leading to increased complexities and challenges for migrants.
Reflecting on the current Labour government, Sue expresses scepticism about substantial positive change, despite some favourable immigration decisions like scrapping the controversial Rwanda Scheme and closing the Bibby Stockholm barge. That said, we have seen a remarkable increase in the number of Afghan citizens refused asylum recently. Sue remarks, ‘we're seeing refusals where we shouldn't see them.’ This is particularly true of Afghans, who are amongst the highest group of people to be accepted as refugees.
While the hostile environment is still very much intact, Sue comments on the resilience of migrants who are trying to navigate difficult circumstances as they face mistreatment, abuse, and challenging bureaucracy.
Sarah raises the urgent crisis within the immigration law provision sector and the critical shortage of trained immigration practitioners and advisors, noting that this gap significantly affects vulnerable communities. ‘20% of legal aid firms in England and Wales have shut down’ Sue explains. In Northern Ireland, the search for qualified immigration advisors and lawyers has become increasingly difficult. Sue emphasizes the dire need for investment in this sector, as many vulnerable individuals are being denied access to justice due to stagnant legal aid fees.
Despite the challenges within the sector, Sue shares the rewards of working in immigration law: “It is the actual people that I work for that inspires me,” she says, ‘You know, however much traveling you do worldwide, the world comes to you when you do immigration work and your knowledge and your understanding of so many different cultures, histories, communities, is opened up by virtue of the work that you do.’
To listen to the full conversation, click HERE.
Dr. Sue Conlan has specialised exclusively in the field of international migration, asylum and human rights since July 1987 in both the voluntary sector and legal aid firms. Her experience includes legal casework, research, training, political advocacy, consultancy, media and public speaking on migration and asylum issues and wider human rights issues. Sue's research includes the link between immigration control and public funds in the UK, people smuggling and migration, and asylum policy and practice in the UK and Ireland. In July 2020, Sue set up TACTIC Immigration and Asylum CIC to provide training to organisations supporting people seeking asylum or in the UK illegally.
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