The government’s effort to deter asylum seekers from risky journeys to the UK is commendable, but the current asylum and returns policy may not effectively achieve this goal.

While there are positive aspects in the proposals, such as community sponsorship for welcoming refugees and prompt removal of individuals with no legal right to stay in the UK, concerns arise regarding the impact on legitimate asylum seekers, particularly those fleeing war and torture, and refugee children who enter irregularly due to family ties or birth to refugee parents.

The suggestion to reassess an individual’s asylum status every 30 months for up to two decades could create social divisions, separating those who can settle securely from those left in uncertainty.

The potential backlash from the proposed immigration policies might lead communities to view certain individuals as temporary visitors. This situation is even more distressing for children, including those born and raised in the UK, who could face displacement to a country they have never known if deemed safe by the government.

The rationale behind these proposals, aimed at reducing “pull factors,” assumes asylum seekers are well-informed about destination countries’ policies, which isn’t often the case. Factors like family connections, English proficiency, and existing diaspora communities play a more significant role in an asylum seeker’s decision-making process.

To combat human smuggling, cooperation with neighboring countries is crucial. Following the successful approach in the final months of the Biden administration, where border restrictions and legal pathways led to a significant decrease in irregular crossings, the UK could enhance collaboration with EU partners. Expanding initiatives like the UK-France one-in-one-out program, inspired by the effective US strategy, could help manage asylum seeker flows more effectively.

Moreover, exploring the use of asylum centers in France to evaluate refugee claims could be a constructive step. However, any measures taken should prioritize humane treatment and not pilot initiatives that impose undue hardship.

By fostering stronger partnerships with EU nations and implementing strategic policies based on successful models, the UK can work towards addressing the challenges associated with irregular migration while upholding humanitarian principles.