Geoforum
Volume 37, Issue 4, 2006, Pages 552-564

Routes to illegal residence: A case study of immigration detainees in the United Kingdom (Article)

Black R. , Collyer M.* , Skeldon R. , Waddington C.
  • a Sussex Centre for Migration Research, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9SJ, United Kingdom
  • b Sussex Centre for Migration Research, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9SJ, United Kingdom
  • c Sussex Centre for Migration Research, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9SJ, United Kingdom
  • d Sussex Centre for Migration Research, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9SJ, United Kingdom

Abstract

This paper investigates the various ways in which migrants to the United Kingdom become illegally resident. Drawing on findings from a pilot study of undocumented migrants held in detention centres in the United Kingdom, it explores why respondents had chosen to come to the United Kingdom, how they came, and how they ended up residing illegally. In contrast to common assumptions about 'illegal immigrants', the present study reveals the diversity of paths into illegal residence, and stresses the importance of perceived safety, both from 'persecution' and more generalised violence, as well as the ease of finding work in a strong economy. The sample included both those who had knowingly come to the United Kingdom to live and work illegally, and those who had become illegal during their stay. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

United Kingdom Asylum policy Refugees Immigration Illegal migration

Index Keywords

United Kingdom immigration policy Eurasia Western Europe refugee Europe illegal immigrant asylum seeker
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-33745484913&doi=10.1016%2fj.geoforum.2005.09.009&partnerID=40&md5=2a4391391b3183ba9011d3a69a362e18
DOI: 10.1016/j.geoforum.2005.09.009
ISSN: 00167185
Cited by: 25
Original Language: English