Not a Stranger Campaign Report
The idea of ‘earned settlement’ is rooted in cruelty and creating more uncertainty for migrants. The new proposals will make migrants’ statuses even more insecure, with significant financial and mental health impacts on people affected by longer pathways to settlement.
In collaboration with the migrant-led Not a Stranger campaign, the Migrants’ Rights Network conducted a survey to understand migrants’ perspectives on the proposed changes.
The results are clear: the majority of survey respondents felt the ‘earned settlement’ proposals, as well as accompanying anti-migrant narratives, are worsening conditions for migrants.
“I would like paths to remain reliable – it’s really hard to plan for things and spend months (or years) preparing under the circumstances and for it to suddenly change ([going from 5-10 years for ILR], massive income hikes). It would be so much less of a nightmare if I knew the circumstances I came here under were continued. I spent months planning and then changes meant all of it was worthless.”
survey respondent
Key Findings
We have compiled research findings to help inform communities and
their allies, and empower them to challenge the cruel new proposals,
including that:
- These proposals have made people feel unwelcome and isolated, and cause concern about immigration status, family separation, and access to public services
- Anti-immigrant narratives surrounding these proposals have amplified the isolation, anxiety, and lessened sense of belonging felt by migrants.
- 88% feel more anxious due to how migrants are portrayed by media or politicians, amplifying fears around racism and discrimination as a result. 92% of those surveyed see the public conversation as worsening
- While respondents emphasised a desire to feel connected to migrant communities, only 39% currently feel supported by their communities
We urge people to challenge the earned settlement proposals by writing to their MPs and councillors to demand that they are publicly denounced. We call upon the public to stand in solidarity with migrant communities facing this cruelty, and to join an advocacy group to organise against these proposals.
225 people responded to the survey, comprising of migrants currently residing in the UK. Respondents included individuals across different visa statuses, distributed across the country, and from diverse nationalities.
● The vast majority reported high levels of frustration (80%), worry (79%), anxiety (75%), and feeling isolated (47%), alongside low levels of hopefulness, resilience and determination
● 81% of the cohort do not believe the immigration system treats all migrants equally
● 92% of respondents believe the way people talk about immigration has changed for the worse
● 69% believe the current climate makes them question whether they want to stay in the UK long term
Help challenge the proposals
Changes to settlement would create more uncertainty for all migrants, including refugees, and would further extend the waiting time or limit access to settlement. As demonstrated in this research, the proposals have left members of our Network feeling incredibly distressed, anxious and isolated.
We need your support to make our voices heard, challenge the proposals, and let migrant communities know they are not alone.
1. Engage your MP:
Write to your MP, asking them to publicly denounce the Home Secretary’s immigration policies, to challenge the Minister in writing about the harm caused to your constituents and ask them to raise an Urgent Question in Parliament.
2. Join an advocacy group:
a. Not a Stranger – Migrant-led campaigning group established in June 2025 in response to the UK Government’s Immigration White Paper proposals. Not a Stranger campaign page – Migrants’ Rights Network
b. The Long Residencers – Advocacy group and online community for people on the 10-year lawful residence route to ILR. Long Residence Advocacy Group (@10yearslruk)
c. Skill Migrants Alliance (SMA) – UK community-led advocacy group for skilled workers and families: Skill Migrants Alliance