Inhibiting integration and strengthening inequality? The effects of UK policy making on refugees and asylum seekers in Wales

Parker, Samuel (2021) Inhibiting integration and strengthening inequality? The effects of UK policy making on refugees and asylum seekers in Wales. People, Place and Policy. ISSN 1753-8041

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Abstract

In 2001, following the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, four towns and cities in Wales became asylum dispersal locations. Whilst immigration and asylum remain matters reserved to the Westminster government, the Welsh Government has devolved responsibility in social policy areas that may impact upon refugee integration. This article highlights how successive Westminster governments have introduced immigration and asylum legislation creating a ‘hostile environment’ for asylum seekers. Such policies have restricted the civil and social rights of asylum seekers whilst simultaneously the Westminster government has focused upon policies for the integration of those granted refugee status only. This article reports on the findings from interviews conducted with 19 refugees and asylum seekers living in Wales, where in contrast to Westminster, the Welsh Government see integration as a process beginning on day one of arrival in Wales. It demonstrates how policies introduced by the Westminster government have led to restrictions on the day-to-day lives of forced migrants in Wales and their ability to integrate. It argues that in a system of multi-level governance, the Welsh Government’s vision of being a ‘Nation of Sanctuary’ and for integration from day one remains difficult to achieve when immigration and asylum remain matters reserved to Westminster.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.3351/ppp.2021.2773253299
Dates:	Date Event 4 October 2021 Accepted 13 October 2021 Published
Uncontrolled Keywords:	asylum seekers, inclusion, integration, Refugees, Research article, Wales
Subjects:	CAH04 - psychology > CAH04-01 - psychology > CAH04-01-01 - psychology (non-specific) CAH15 - social sciences > CAH15-01 - sociology, social policy and anthropology > CAH15-01-03 - social policy
Divisions:	Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences > College of Psychology
Depositing User:	Samuel Parker
Date Deposited:	15 Oct 2021 13:50
Last Modified:	11 Jun 2024 13:03
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/12296

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