Blogs
We publish blogs that draw on data and research, and through them we inform debate, spark discussion, and explore the wider implications of current developments.
Analysis, Commentary and Research Updates
Explore our latest publications on immigration and asylum policies. Stay informed with well-researched insights.
The Fact That We Lost Control Of Asylum Numbers 20 Years Ago Is No Good Reason For Repeating The Experience
Asylum claims are running at 44,000 per year when main applicants and dependants are considered (year to September 2021 – Home Office data). Former senior diplomat Lord Kerr of of Kinlochard claims that asylum claims are at half the level of 20 years ago (Lords Hansard 25 Nov 2021 Col
Illegal Channel Crisis – 3 Key Facts To Remember
Here are three key facts to remember about the illegal immigration crisis in the Channel, which has seen over 28,400 people come in the past year, and a total of 40,000 since 2018. 1. Many people crossing the Channel destroy their identity documents. This risks security and calls into question the good
Now Judges Make It Even Harder To Tackle People Smuggling
A common question from members of the public is: “How many people are convicted of people’s smuggling in the UK?” There is no specific criminal offence of “people smuggling” on the UK statute books, but the Home Office holds information on the number of charges and convictions as a result
Asylum Abuse By Adults Pretending To Be Children
Summary (for a shorter summary of this paper click here). 1. The system for checking the age of asylum claimants is so loose that it gives the benefit of the doubt to those saying without proof that they are minors. In the midst of this, there has been a major rise in
Surging Illegal Boat Crossings Drive Record Spike In Asylum Age Fraud
There has been a significant rise in cases of asylum fraud by adults pretending to be children. Analysis of Home Office statistics by Migration Watch UKshows that, where age was disputed and resolved in the past year, 1,118 people who claimed to be children were found to be 18 years
Many If Not Most Of Those Crossing The Channel Destroy Their Identity Documents
Deliberate destruction of documentation by tens of thousands crossing the Channel in boats without prior permission must be treated as prima facie evidence of asylum abuse where such persons seek protection (as 98% do). Such actions are already a criminal offence. Yet we increasingly take tens of thousands of people in who