Whatever Happened to Asylum in Britain?

Refugees and asylum-seekers are high up on many people's political agenda. Even so, there is a remarkable lack of information. Who are these asylum-seekers? Aren't they almost all "bogus"? How do western immigration authorities decide whether or not they are genuine? Is the UN convention on Refugees out of date and in need of renegotiation?

This book brings insider knowledge to the study of asylum in Britain today. It is based on visits to places where asylum seekers are detained, on working with lawyers representing asylum-seekers and on a close knowledge of many of the refugee organisations. It argues passionately that Britain shall not throw away, through ignorance and misunderstanding, a reputation for providing a place of safety for the persecuted, and the chance of welcoming people who have much to contribute to national life and culture.

Abbreviations
Foreword

Introduction: A Matter of National Pride

Map 1.1: Distribution of Refugees in Sudan

Chapter 1. Setting the Scene
Chapter 2. The Tamils and the 1987 Watershed
Chapter 3. Making Decisions
Chapter 4. A Right of Appeal
Chapter 5. Without Charge or Trial
Chapter 6. Protecting Women, Children and Families
Chapter 7. Building Walls Around Fortress Europe
Chapter 8. Keeping Them Out: Building a Wall Around the UK
Chapter 9. Supporting Asylum-Seekers

Afterword

Bibliography
Index