Kemi Badenoch Proposes Stricter Immigration Policies, Targeting Legal and Illegal Migrants

Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch Proposes Stricter Immigration Policies

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has proposed stricter immigration policies, targeting both legal and illegal migrants. This move aims to win back votes from Reform UK and revitalize the party after last year's election defeat.

Badenoch proposes doubling the time required for indefinite leave to remain from five to ten years. Additionally, legal migrants applying for indefinite leave to remain must demonstrate they have been "net contributors" to the British economy over the previous ten years. This means their tax contributions must exceed the cost of their and their children's use of public services. They must also have worked consistently and not claimed benefits or used social housing during that decade.

Illegal migrants would be automatically barred from claiming indefinite leave to remain, even if recognized as refugees. Asylum seekers denied the right to remain could be returned to their home country if the situation there improves. Anyone whose visa expires after failing to secure indefinite leave to remain could also be ejected.

Badenoch argues that the pace of immigration has been too quick and the numbers too high for meaningful integration. She believes slowing down the track for citizenship is necessary, emphasizing that a UK passport should be a privilege, not an automatic right.

This revised stance comes after Badenoch conceded in November that her party had "got it wrong" on immigration. The move follows figures showing a surge in net migration in recent years, prompting accusations of an "open borders experiment" from Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill is expected to include new counterterrorism-style powers to target people smugglers, including the seizure of mobile phones and financial assets.

The UK population is projected to increase by nearly 5 million over the next decade, primarily due to net migration. This will bring the population to 72.5 million by mid-2032, up from 67.6 million in mid-2022.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp stated that any migrant convicted of a criminal act or breaching their visa terms would be removed from the UK. He believes those who come to work and then claim benefits should have their work visas cancelled and be required to leave.

Minister for Border Security Dame Angela Eagle criticized the Conservatives for "losing control of our borders" during their 14 years in power. She believes their claims and promises regarding immigration should not be taken seriously.