In 2019, Anna relocated from Poland to the UK with her partner and three children. Shortly after settling into their new life, her partner became abusive. Attempting to leave with her children, Anna sought assistance from her local council’s social services, but encountered a problem when questioned about her immigration status.
Using the pseudonym Anna for privacy and safety, she held a valid visa under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), a requirement for European citizens after the UK’s Brexit vote in 2017. However, she couldn’t provide proof as she had never received confirmation via text or letter regarding her settled status. Stranded, Anna returned to her household with her children and the abuser.
Contacting immigration authorities proved challenging, as she faced long waiting times and unresponsive technical teams. Although her application was valid, she couldn’t access her account to generate a sharecode, crucial for proving her immigration status to access services, secure employment, or rent an apartment.
After a severe incident, the police issued an injunction against her abuser, allowing Anna to leave. However, she lost a job offer due to the inability to prove her immigration status. In March 2022, a charity confirmed her presettled status, but the UK’s Home Office had not directly contacted her, and she still lacked access to her sharecode.
Anna’s story is alarming, reflecting a trend as the UK’s Home Office adopts a “digital-by-default” approach to border management. The recently released “New Plan for Immigration” outlines increased digitization, aiming for a fully digital customer journey by 2025. This shift impacts migrants globally, extending border control into all aspects of their lives.
While the Home Office cites benefits like convenience for older individuals and enhanced security, critics, including Mary Atkinson of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, argue that digital systems are already problematic, causing anguish and real pain. The question remains: does the digital immigration system prioritize humanity, responsiveness to circumstances, and common sense?
