Call for UK immigration amnesty

THE EDITOR, Madam:

IT IS clear that the majority of illegal immigrants in the United Kingdom (UK) who have no recourse to public funding, no support from benefit system, do not benefit from the furlough scheme and have no access to food banks are the hardest hit group during this COVID-19 pandemic.

They have been highly exposed to severe economic pain and suffering by the pandemic as they have absolutely no source of consolation for their predicament. They have also been left to dry as all other groups of people in UK are being financially supported.

While I am not an advocate for illegal immigration, I firmly believe that it is humane, considerate, reasonable and timely to grant amnesty to all these women, men and children who are suffering in silence during this toughest time in living memory.

I admit that they have flouted immigration laws, but the current situation of the pandemic has transformed them into the most vulnerable people suffering in silence in UK. It would therefore be appreciated to think beyond their illegal status and save them from accelerated suffering and death by granting them amnesty because of the exceptional circumstances they are in.

Amnesty will reduce heavy caseloads of immigration cases created by COVID-19, prepare UK to start on a illegal immigrant-free year 2021 as they leave EU, and the illegal immigrants will be able to fill all the low-skill jobs. HANDSEN CHIKOWORE London hchikowore@hotmail.com