On the day of the last general election, my mother woke before dawn, driven by a sense of duty that many in her position might not fully comprehend. Although she has no right to vote in the UK, she dedicates her days off to volunteer at polling stations, still believing in the democratic process of a nation she has called home for 15 years. Originally hailing from Italy, she holds legal residence in the UK and shares her life with a British partner, yet despite her substantial contributions, she often feels the weight of judgement simply because of her accent.
Her fluent English and commitment to her adopted community are overshadowed by the experience of being treated with condescension. Activities as basic as communicating with her manager or applying for pension assistance can feel daunting, filled with cultural missteps. She often reminds me of the importance of gratitude, a lesson rooted in her belief that her presence here is a privilege rather than a right.
Deeply engrained in British customs, she embodies a spirit of politeness, offering thanks even when faced with misunderstanding. This attitude was painfully evident when I faced eviction; despite the threats from our landlords, her immediate response was to suggest leaving a thank-you gift. It is this all-consuming need to feel grateful, to prove her worth, that starkly contrasts her life before immigrating—where she never felt the need to repay a moral debt for simply existing.
In the face of adversity, she serves as a model of resilience, attending local community initiatives such as the Red Cross and participating in the 2021 census, despite encounters of hostility and indifference. The recent wave of anti-immigration sentiments, sparked by riots across England and Northern Ireland, has only intensified the insecurity felt among many foreign-born residents. These events serve as stark reminders of the precariousness of her situation.
Following Brexit, the rise of the right-wing Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, has cast a long shadow over the accepted narrative of British identity. Such shifts translate into increasingly tough immigration policies; recently, Prime Minister Keir Starmer proposed changes that would limit visa options for skilled and low-skilled workers alike, adding to growing apprehensions among immigrants who already feel unwelcome. A recent YouGov poll revealed another equally alarming figure: 70% of respondents believe immigration levels have been too high over the past decade.
The rhetoric from political leaders has only served to exacerbate the discomfort experienced by my mother and others like her, painting them as burdens rather than contributors. Despite the economic realities confirming that immigration typically enhances national productivity—according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the UK’s migration levels are comparable to other high-income countries—the perception remains skewed.
My mother finds motivation in her dreams of contributing towards a future society that recognises her contributions. Yet, she is increasingly aware that her position as an immigrant makes her a target for political machinations. The government’s recent announcements, including plans to curb net migration, reveal a political climate where immigrants are often viewed with hostility rather than as members of the community. The Office for National Statistics reported that net migration hit a staggering 906,000 in mid-2023, a significant rise from previous years, and the population is projected to grow to 72.5 million by 2032, with many attributing this growth to migration.
With the increasing difficulty for immigrants to establish themselves and live without fear, many, including my mother, are re-evaluating their futures in the UK. The privilege of an EU passport grants her a potential exit strategy, a means to return to safety in Italy, where the sentiment towards immigrants is complex yet less fraught with hostility. Fears around the rise of extreme right discourse in government policy and its potential outcomes are genuinely unsettling.
Despite these challenges, she continues to demonstrate remarkable fortitude. Even after participating in her first anti-racism protest—understanding the risks, such as alienation from colleagues—she maintains her unwavering spirit, greeting others with kindness. Her experience serves as a poignant reminder that the struggle for acceptance and belonging in a new homeland often burdens those who contribute richly to society.
As she still makes her way to the polling station to give back to her adopted country, it’s heartening to note her enduring resolve. No matter how little acknowledgment she receives from the political sphere, she embodies the spirit of resilience that many immigrants demonstrate daily, contributing profoundly to the very society that often struggles to recognise their worth.
Reference Map
- All aspects of my mother’s story and perspective on her immigrant experience.
- Discussion on the UK government’s proposed immigration policy changes under Keir Starmer.
- General information about legal migration trends in OECD countries, with particular focus on labour shortages addressed by migration.
- Insights about population projections in the UK and their implications for future immigration policy.
- Data on population growth in England and Wales driven by net migration.
- Examination of the net migration trend and the political landscape surrounding immigration.
- Overview of UK legislative efforts aimed at reducing unauthorized migration and its impact on immigrant communities.
Source: Noah Wire Services