Windrush Generation To Receive British Citizenship

History will judge British Prime Minister, Theresa May and Home Secretary, Amber Rudd harshly for the plight of the Windrush generation.

Yesterday, Ms Rudd stated the Windrush generation will be granted British Citizenship as the government attempted to draw a line under the scandal by describing the Home Secretary’s apology as “just the first step”.

The appalling way the children of immigrants, brought to the UK after the Second World War to provide desperately needed labour, have been treated has resulted in negative reactions, both here and across the Commonwealth.

The Home Office confirmed the English language requirement, Life in the UK Test and all fees would be waived for members of the Windrush generation and their families who decided to seek citizenship. In addition, any charges for returning to the UK for those who had retired to their countries of origin after making their lives here would be covered by the government.

Compensation may also be claimed by those who have suffered loss due to the Home Office’s actions. If you wish to enquire about making a compensation claim along with British Citizenship, contact an Immigration lawyer to provide you with the best advice.

The Home Office has acknowledged the distress caused to Caribbean immigrants and their families who settled in the UK between 1948 and 1973. Some have been threatened with deportation, lost their jobs or been denied medical treatment after the changes to Immigration rules in 2014 and the creation of a ‘hostile environment’ for migrants in the UK who could not prove they had a right to be here legally.

According to a report in the Guardian, The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants said the measures announced by Ms Rudd were a welcome first step towards righting historical wrongs.

But its chief executive, Satbir Singh, told the paper: “By placing yet another sticking plaster over its failures, the government has said and done nothing to indicate that it is taking the root causes of this crisis seriously. We need to see root-and-branch reform of the Home Office if we are to avoid another Windrush.”

The Windrush generation saga has shown the destructive nature of the hostile environment policy and the relentless pursuit of bringing Immigration figures down to the tens of thousands. The scandal has shown that migrants are not just numbers, they are human beings who have contributed hugely to the wealth and culture of the country.

If you are a member of the Windrush generation, or require expert Immigration advice, please contact our office for an appointment.