1. On this most solemn #EdBallsDay, we thought we'd take you through 50 years of the history behind #windrush & #hostileenvironment as seen through our eyes.
We can do that because we didn't destroy our archives (looking at you @ukhomeoffice ). Thanks to @Hullhistorynews.
We can do that because we didn't destroy our archives (looking at you @ukhomeoffice ). Thanks to @Hullhistorynews.
2. In 1967 JCWI was founded in the Dominion theatre Southall by 240 reps from community and anti-racist groups.
3. 1968, in the wake of Rivers of Blood, we started work defending the rights of Commonwealth nationals who had arrived in the #windrush era from attempts to remove them.
4. Over the next few years, we worked to try and protect British people who were being denied entry to the UK.
The #windrush scandal has deep roots.
The #windrush scandal has deep roots.
5. 1971 we campaigned against the UK's first ever Immigration Act, which was designed to make it harder for Commonwealth citizens to come to the UK and make it easier to deport them if they did.
6. 1972 we work to help the Ugandan Asians expelled by Idi Amin, who have like all groups of migrants gone on to shape modern Britain. At the time many were denied entry and we have to hire an extra staff member to deal with the volume of cases.
7. In the early 70s we organise & stop mass passport raids targeting black and asian communities, work with Cypriots affected by a coup and join forces with @libertyhq and @nusuk to protect foreign students.
8. 1976 We successfully challenge @ukhomeoffice applying the law retrospectively and Ian Martin our erstwhile General Secretary writes a report on British Asians in Malawi before going off to be Gen Sec of @thefabians, Sec Gen @amnesty and then doing something or other @UN.
9. We turn 10 in 1977 and have a party in a pub on Theobalds Rd. Also more work on terrible immigration legislation.
10. 1978 - 80 JCWI lobbies the @TheBMA to declare virginity testing of foreign fiancees of British citizens by immigration officers unethical. We succeed in (temporarily) freezing fees for registration as a British citizen. Today spouses still suffering, and fees too high.
11. Early 80s we work to improve migrants access to services like healthcare. Now much worse under @theresa_may's hostile environment which has enshrined prejudice into law and official policy. We start #dividedfamilies campaign, sadly still running bringthemhome.org.uk
12. 1984 We move into our wonderful old office next to @lsostlukes & @ukhomeoffice tries to exempt immigrants' data from the data protection act, just as they're trying to do again today. We defeated them then and we can again. libertyhumanrights.org.uk/defend-our-dat…
13. For the rest of the 80s we continue to fight for families rights to be together, against ever-increasing restrictions against Commonwealth nationals, against hate speech in @dailyexpressuk. We get our first computers, arson attack, and engage with @EuropeanParl .
14. 1990...
It seems we handed our records for this year to a person who may or may not have been running through a field of wheat at the time.
It seems we handed our records for this year to a person who may or may not have been running through a field of wheat at the time.
15. 91 & 92 we publish our first immigration law handbook and do wonderful work with @stonewalluk on those persecuted for their sexuality & with @refugeecouncil & @AmnestyUK. We support Paul Boateng's efforts for family members of British citizens living in the EU.
16. The 90s. Our campaigns to abolish the primary purpose rule and to get citizenship for ethnic minorities in Hong Kong are successful. We work with @WilsonsLondon @INQUEST_ORG after the death of a restrained detainee Omasase Lumumba. @donflynnmrn's hair is spectacular.
17. The early 00s. Campaign for right of British Overseas Citizens to register as British citizens succeeds, we force a backtrack to plans to limit appeal rights, and to restrict healthcare for migrants (temporarily). We work with @unisontweets and @LibDems .
19. 2011-14. Victory in @UKSupremeCourt Quila. Relaunch of divided families as @theresa_may splits children from parents who don't earn enough to live with spouses in UK & start campaign against hostile env. Launch of helpline for those struggling with docs like #windrush.
20. 2015 Launch I am an Immigrant Campaign. Now gone global as I am a Migrant with @UNmigration. iamamigrant.org
21. 2016 Launch I am a Refugee campaign @StPaulsLondon and in @UKParliament. Work with @libertyhq and @lauradubinsky & @matrixchambers to challenge huge hike to Immigration #tribunalfees and win legal challenge to allow child refugees to reunite with family.
22. 2017 2nd report showing right to rent scheme & hostile environment cause discrimination against people who have every right to be here. @ukhomeoffice refuses to reconsider roll out, or impact on people like #windrush generation who will struggle to show status.
