Strangers Into Citizens march - report
Whilst bouncing along to the beat of the drum and the chants of African songs I watched a young man dance around in his long robe; one half the Union Jack, one half the Zimbabwean flag. The Strangers into Citizens rally last Bank Holiday Monday was in full swing and thousands had taken to the streets to celebrate the proposed amnesty for the estimated half million undocumented migrants living in the UK.
Hidden mostly among London's communities – and often marginalised by the press – these people live hidden behind veils of anonymity. Normally existing out of the limelight, it was an incredible sight to see thousands, both migrants and supportive nationals, gathered in Trafalgar Square. [See podcast here and video here.]
Antonio, an undocumented migrant, gave me a brief insight into his life in the UK, 'I have been here for twelve years and I have no basic human rights. I have to report to immigration every week, I’m not allowed to work, I live in a night shelter… it’s difficult. It’s important for me to be here.'
The Strangers into Citizens campaign is calling for an earned pathway to full legal rights for many of these individuals and their families. They propose that migrants who have already lived here for more than four years should be granted a two-year trial period in which to prove their value to the community. In this time they would be granted the right to work without the threat of deportation. In return they would need to show a willingness to work, abide by UK laws and develop their English language.
Political forces including Boris Johnson agree that mass deportation is no longer an option, ruled out by the cost and time-frames it would take to mobilize hundreds of thousands of people. By granting an amnesty, the aim is to give undocumented migrants a chance to legitimately contribute to their communities and our society.
The argument follows that this would undercut the black market and make the workforce safer, more visible and, of course, taxable.'We have to befriend them, and we have to risk sometimes,' said Angela, an elderly, white, Anglican lady at the march. 'If you’re kind to somebody, it brings out kindness.'
As she joined the thousands in singing 'God Save The Queen' she stood arm in arm with some newly made friends from Ghana. The song, flag and symbols of British patriotism – all too often hijacked by the far right – were being reclaimed by the multiethnic communities of modern Britain.
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23 comments
Excellent to hear! These people have a much better claim on British patriotism than the right-wingers. Claim the flag back!
I'm in a former part of the Empire right now, and a current Commonwealth member state, and it's humbling to hear people, particularly the older generation, talk with such passion about the British as a force for good.
More than anything else it's our values that bond us as a nation, and the moral majority want to see these people accepted; treated as humans with rights just like the rest of us.
I wasn't there but reading this makes me wish I was! Lots of political questions that arise as Sami mentions, but I never reaslied Timeout was so diverse?! Might start buying the magazine....!!
Thanks 'Zak'!
the rally was great and just like you say, there was a great atmosphere and the most moving thing is to find people like Angela who, despite all the stereotypes on irregular migrants, befriends them.
Great to hear about the Strangers rally in Time Out. I was there and the atmosphere was fantastic. There's a long way to go but this is a good starting point.
Wonderful article highlighting a very real issue. Let's hope those in power are listening.
Your article is a very good back up to the Strangers into Citizens March and is giving great information about an important subject quite unknown to most of the population.
Every nation is supposed to apply the Universal Declaration of the human rights.
here article 1.
* All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
really good article zack.
Encapsulates the fundamental difference between the people who are making decisions about these issues and the general public who are willing to have these deserving people integrate into British society. As is demonstrated in your beautiful final image of a multi-cultural British society.
Let's all hope that the weight of evidence prevails over the bizarre short sightedness that has dogged these people.
Very Interesting article - If people have shown a willingness to work, abide by UK laws and develop their English language then they desrve the opportunity to become citizens.
I think one of the most positive things about Britian is its diveristy and multiculturalism. I myself have lived & worked overseas and was treated with diginity and respect by the host countries. I hope Britain can do the same for others. I believe that immigrants make our society stronger and more productive. Thanks Zak for this important article!
Nice one Zacman, really feeling the final paragraph. Good to highlight those people falling between the cracks as it is now. About time for some recognition and reappraisal... lotta love.
Acceptance, willingness to contribute and the importance of being a valuable member of the wider community are what matter most. If this enables people to prove their value and contribute to taxes, this is positive
There is of course a similar debate raging over here in the States. In both cases, little attention is paid to why people would be so eager to leave their homes in the first place, only to suffer abuse and injustice in so-called modern developed democracies. Centuries of political and economic instability instituted by western (current and former) superpowers is conveniently ignored. Thanks for this article.
Interesting....
Refreshing to hear a different view on an important issue, which recognises the power of civility and acts of kindness in society.
How many countries do these illegal immigrants pass through until they finally make a safe passage to the UK?
Could they not make a claim for asylum in those countries? Of course not. There's no food stamps, housing benefits or dole in those countries whereas the UK is seen as a soft touch. Despite the rain.
And now there's initiatives being mooted to encourage more over by giving them two years grace to 'see if they fit in'? I'm lost for words. This country is struggling to look after itself, nevermind footing the bill for free loaders looking for a meal ticket. Re-patriation is what's called for. Illegal means just that, illegal.