Arguing in favour of “firewalls” between immigration enforcement and other public services in this case sounds like a pun in very bad taste. But this is effectively what Theresa May announced for the survivors. Why does it take a tragedy to make it a good idea?
“Volunteer doctors and lawyers providing support to survivors of the Grenfell Tower disaster have spoken of residents who escaped from the fire but remain, they believe, too frightened seek to medical and legal help for fear of being reported to the Home Office because of their irregular immigration status…
In her Commons statement, Theresa May made it clear that no immigration checks would be carried out on survivors or relatives of the dead. “We will not use this tragic incident as a reason to carry out immigration checks on those involved,” the prime minister said. “We will make sure that all victims, irrespective of their immigration status, will be able to access the services they need, including healthcare and accommodation.”
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