Kemi Badenoch’s Immigration Proposal is Unfair and Harmful.

Kemi Badenoch’s recent proposal to extend the eligibility for British citizenship to 15 years, up from the current six, and her call for a lifetime ban on citizenship for those entering the UK illegally, raises significant concerns about fairness and the values the UK should uphold.

Badenoch’s policy imposes unnecessary hardships on law-abiding migrants who have made meaningful contributions to the country. Extending the waiting period for citizenship to 15 years is punitive, unfairly targeting individuals who have followed the legal path, worked, paid taxes, and integrated into British society. While the aim may be to foster a sense of commitment, this proposal overlooks the reality that many migrants face personal or economic hardships, preventing them from accessing citizenship despite their ongoing contributions.

Additionally, Badenoch’s suggestion to deny indefinite leave to remain (ILR) to migrants who claim benefits is misplaced. Migrants, particularly those who have recently arrived, often rely on welfare support while they establish themselves in the UK. Penalizing them for needing assistance fails to recognize their value in sectors essential to the UK economy, such as healthcare, hospitality, and construction.

The narrative of migrants as a "burden" on the state oversimplifies a complex issue. Research shows that immigrants contribute significantly to the UK economy, both through taxes and by filling crucial roles that British-born workers may not be able to fill. By focusing on punitive measures, Badenoch risks alienating a vital part of the workforce and deepening divisions within society.

In the pursuit of fair immigration policy, we must avoid creating a two-tier system that discriminates against those who have much to offer. Citizenship should be based on merit and commitment—not arbitrary restrictions that fail to reflect the realities of modern immigration.