As a second generation Cypriot migrant, I view the word “fresh” or “freshie” as something positive that allows me to feel connected to my SWANA (South West Asian and North African) roots. But before I explain why I want to reclaim this word, I think it is important to trace its history. A history of […]
Deprivation of citizenship legislation is quietly stripping people of their British citizenship. Since 2003, the incidence of this has increased as powers have expanded, primarily affecting British Muslims. But the dark reality is, this could happen to most of us. Foundational to citizenship deprivation is something called the ‘good character’ requirement. This affects the granting
Exploitation of migrant workers Modern slavery is more common than you might think. In fact, the UK’s immigration system enables the exploitation of migrant workers. State regulated immigration pathways, like the visa sponsorship system, are being used to effectively traffick workers into exploitative situations. Migrants across multiple employment sectors face numerous issues including debt bondage,
The General Election is on the horizon. The demonisation of migrants, including refugees, is growing. Hate is taking hold. The time to act is now. Migration advocacy rarely looks at the construction of migrants through an intersectional lens, or how racism shapes the idea of who is welcome. That’s why we have to be honest
The word “migrant” is being used as a dirty word by many in society, and the sector is now encouraging us to avoid it. But why? It is not our fault, as migrants, that this word has been used negatively. It is not up to the sector (which is largely White and non-migrant led) to
We’re reclaiming the narrative, together. The power of language Words have power. Language has the ability to hurt, uplift and shape our world. In our Words Matter explainers, we have focused on explaining the harm that certain narratives cause. This is to remind us to be mindful of the language we use: whether that looks
