The Dangers of Illegal Immigration on the Native People of Great Britain
Illegal immigration remains a contentious issue in the United Kingdom, particularly as small boat crossings across the English Channel have surged in recent years. With mounting concerns about housing shortages, pressure on public services, and threats to national identity, the impact of this illegal influx on the native population is becoming increasingly pronounced. This article explores the implications of illegal immigration on Britain, focusing on boat crossings, the housing crisis, concerns over national identity, and the potential for social instability.
Boat Crossings: A Growing Crisis
The number of illegal immigrants attempting to enter Britain via small boat crossings has escalated sharply in recent years. According to the UK Home Office, over 45,000 migrants attempted to cross the Channel in 2022, a significant increase from previous years. This has become a focal point in the wider debate on immigration, as people smugglers exploit vulnerable migrants, often charging extortionate fees to facilitate these dangerous journeys. Tragically, fatalities have also been reported, highlighting the severe risks involved. A total of 45 people have died in the Channel this year - the highest reported number since 2021, according to the UN’s International Organisation for Migration.
This adds a considerable strain on the UK’s Border Force, the Royal Navy, and other emergency services. The government has allocated increased resources to policing the Channel, yet the continued rise in crossings suggests that further action is needed. The burden on resources is exacerbated by the fact that many of these migrants, once ashore, often enter the asylum system, which is already overstretched, with backlogs running into tens of thousands of cases .
The situation has sparked debate about the adequacy of current border enforcement measures and international agreements such as the UK’s arrangements with France. While efforts to curb the crossings are ongoing, the long-term impact on public services and the social fabric of coastal communities is undeniable.
Housing Crisis: Increased Pressure on Resources
Britain is grappling with a severe housing shortage, with a growing population and limited availability of affordable homes. Illegal immigration has compounded this crisis by placing additional strain on already overstretched housing resources. According to a 2023 report by the National Audit Office (NAO), there is a significant shortfall in affordable housing, with an estimated 1.2 million households on the waiting list for social housing.
Many illegal immigrants, after entering the UK, are housed in temporary accommodation, often in hotels or other emergency facilities, which further reduces the availability of such resources for British citizens. For example, local authorities in Kent, a region heavily impacted by boat crossings, have struggled to meet the housing demands of both residents and incoming migrants. The Local Government Association (LGA) reported that over £1.2 billion was spent in 2022-23 on temporary accommodation for asylum seekers.
The government’s plan to house asylum seekers in larger facilities, such as former military barracks, has faced legal challenges and public protests. These difficulties illustrate the deepening tension over resource allocation, as many British citizens, particularly those on lower incomes, feel they are being overlooked in favour of accommodating newcomers.
Erosion of National Identity
A more intangible but equally concerning issue linked to illegal immigration is the erosion of national identity. Britain has long prided itself on its rich cultural heritage, values, and traditions. However, with the rapid influx of immigrants from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, British citizens fear that their national identity is being diluted.
Polling data consistently shows that concerns over immigration and its effects on British culture remain high. A survey conducted by YouGov in 2022 revealed that 55% of respondents believed immigration was “too high” and 43% felt that it had negatively affected British culture. These concerns often stem from a lack of integration among some migrant groups, leading to the creation of cultural enclaves that can feel disconnected from the broader British society.
This sense of disconnection is amplified by fears over the visibility of non-British customs and practices. For example, the construction of mosques and the wearing of religious attire in public has become a flashpoint for some, as they view these changes as symbolic of a shift away from Britain’s Christian and secular heritage.
Extremism and Security Threats
While some illegal immigrants come to the UK in search of better opportunities or to escape conflict, there is concern that illegal immigration could also facilitate the entry of individuals with extremist views. The link between immigration and terrorism is a highly sensitive issue, but it cannot be ignored in the broader discussion on national security.
The tragic attacks in London in 2017 and Manchester in 2017, both perpetrated by individuals with connections to radical Islamist networks, have heightened public awareness of the risks posed by extremist ideologies. While these incidents involved individuals who were legally residing in the UK, security experts warn that insufficient border controls may allow extremists to enter undetected. Reports from the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) in 2021 noted an increasing number of migrants radicalised en route to Europe, with the UK’s porous southern border a potential point of entry for such individuals.
Moreover, tensions surrounding the integration of Muslim communities have sparked widespread public debate. According to the 2021 UK Census, Muslims now make up approximately 6.5% of the population. While many do contribute positively to British society, there are many radicalised individuals and groups who have sought to undermine British values, leading to heightened tensions in communities where integration has been less successful, or not even attempted in the first place.
Social Cohesion and Public Opinion
The combination of these factors has inevitably led to a strain on social cohesion in many areas of the UK. The rise in illegal immigration has not only placed pressure on public services but has also contributed to growing divisions within society. In areas that have seen a disproportionate number of migrants, such as parts of London, the Midlands, and the southeast, there have been reports of increased tensions between different ethnic and cultural groups.
Polling data from the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford shows that the British public remains deeply divided on the issue of immigration. While many acknowledge the economic contributions of migrants, particularly in sectors such as healthcare and hospitality, there is growing concern about the speed and scale of immigration, especially when it is perceived as illegal.
Conclusion
Illegal immigration presents a complex and multifaceted challenge for the United Kingdom. From the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the English Channel to the broader concerns over housing, national identity, and security, the implications for the native population are profound.
While many argue that the UK must remain open and compassionate toward those fleeing war and persecution, it is clear that the current system is struggling to cope with the scale of the crisis. Without meaningful reform, the pressures on housing, social services, and community relations will only intensify, risking further divisions within British society. It is imperative that the government strikes a balance between securing its borders and preserving the traditional British values of fairness, rule of law, and national integrity.