Made in London: hidden lives in a hostile environment | Made in Britain

Lynda Ouazar set up a food bank for undocumented people in the first lockdown, supporting those who lost their jobs and houses overnight, and who were unable to seek official help. She joined the Guardian for this collaborative film-making project, Made in Britain, to try to unearth some of these hidden stories in her part of east London
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This is the fourth episode of Made in Britain, a community-based video journalism project looking at poverty, inequality and the challenges our communities face in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The aim is to put the individuals who are typically under-represented in the media in front and behind the camera
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#MadeInBritain #Immigration #Covid #Covid19 #MadeInLondon

[@thefloatingapothecaryroman16]

I'm UK born but mixed race. I've worked since the age of 14 and at one point worked 3 jobs, I'm university educated. I worked all through COVID and lost my job last year. I'm struggling now as I've lost my home, my savings too and has had UC reduced to just 40 pound a week. I'm having to forage wood for my stove to keep warm on my very old narrowboat and I'm relying on food banks. I can't believe this has happened. I've been an emergency technician in Manchester for 12 years, I've served my country and this is how I'm treated

[@AlexComey]

40 a week? Out of curiousity, why so low? I was on UC a year ago, single man and was getting 340 a month.

[@thefloatingapothecaryroman16]

I was sanction for one month

[@AlexComey]

@@thefloatingapothecaryroman16 Sorry to hear man, don't give up, hope your situation improves!

[@thefloatingapothecaryroman16]

@@AlexComey thanks

[@Isochest]

It's hard for us British people like yourself but the Government have an unofficial policy of importing people that there's no housing land or infrastructure for. They have created a perfect storm of unlimited immigration illegal immigration and the cultural conflict you see in some areas. Their manifesto is essentially a plantation owner's mentality. They see people as commodities.

[@EMKWANREVIEWS]

Honestly Britain is broken. If they treat those who are born and raised citizens the way they do, how are they going to treat immigrants. I left the UK 9 years ago… honestly the BEST decision of my life. I’m thriving now instead of just surviving.

[@knittingbandit8493]

Which country did you go to?

[@EMKWANREVIEWS]

@@knittingbandit8493 UAE.

[@mobinxd]

@@EMKWANREVIEWS was a easy choice or a hard choice?

[@Lauri2014]

@@EMKWANREVIEWS Ask the Indian and Filipino wage workers...so you just swapped places, the problem persists, it just doesn't affect you anymore.

[@nikunashi3494]

Same, I left 13 years ago in 2008. I will never live there again.

[@antonclark3420]

Made in London? The film was, nothing else. But you said something that sums up the reason why many come here… not as refugees or asylum seekers but for a better life. I’d like to go to Australia or maybe the US for a better life. But like many I might not pass the immigration rules and regulations. The UK has been any easy touch. Ten million since 2000… the government has not built the infrastructure to accommodate the inflow, result the crisis in the NHS, difficulty getting a GP, house prices going through the roof. You will see resentment, as evidenced with the attack on the immigration centre last week. I’m stating the reality but of course I will be called racist.

[@krisradjpaul278]

Totally agree with what your saying

[@discoverutv1185]

It’s not racist I’m mixed race black and white British and totally agree it’s not race it’s nationality 👍

[@stephanblack4558]

England is not an endless pit of cash, there must be limits on immigration. Britain must get it's own house in order before helping others, there is a huge housing crises in the U.K. yet they allow 1000's more immigrants in each day, lots are illegal, who is paying for it all??? the tax payer!!!... stop the nonsense..

[@stuartannetts300]

Yet the solution seems to be even more people, yep that will sort it. Unless of course the intention is to destroy the whole system. 🤷

[@mt3930]

you will be called racist because what you just said was racist. Blaming immigrants for problems in the NHS and rises in house prices is racist and xenophobic.

[@poundlandvodka]

I've lived in the US for 10 years now - I went through the immigration and citizenship process here myself, and getting my previously undocumented husband a green card. I can honestly say that the US system is vastly more respectful and less dehumanizing than the UK's, and that's saying something.

[@AceofDlamonds]

I think you may be correct. I don't know the UK system, but it's been pretty smooth for every immigrant I know here in the U.S.

[@TheSuperPsychoKiller]

Because America is known as the nation of immigrants. UK is not.

[@Sumi_S]

At least I don’t get shot

[@MrStarsuicide]

@@Sumi_S I don't get shot either .

[@MrStarsuicide]

@@Sumi_S you do realize that britain has its own gun crime right ?

[@AlexDeLarge77]

Ask this question; where is this heading? We can’t even look after the poorest in this country but continue to let in hundreds of thousands of people. At this point it’s destabilising society. All I know is this, resentment is on the rise, when I see beggars on the street better dressed then me, with mobile phones, something is seriously wrong.

[@SL-ud7tf]

💯

[@Isochest]

The destabilisation is part of the plan. Divide and rule.

[@apolloniasakae4551]

I was born and raised in the UK, assaulted and left homeless at 15. The council office refused to help me as I was not an "urgent case", I was advised that I would have a better chance of getting support if I have children. I made my own opportunity and left the UK 2 years after that and I have not been back since (24years), best decision I ever made.

[@c3realK1ll4h]

where did u go to?

[@apolloniasakae4551]

The land of the rising sun

[@saraharold3670]

Nice to think that someone is sparing a thought to provide food for those who had been delivering it to others and then lost their job and had no means to buy food for themselves

[@pumpkinpatch5]

People who are not born here don’t seem to understand that it’s a small country, and the bubble is going to burst. The UK has been a soft touch for a long time but things are going to have to change soon. We can’t keep giving.

[@jonsimmons4150]

wanna bet? theyll find ways to grant amnesties, and wallspaff and fritter away more of taxpayers money

[@Tearsofasilentheart]

Im sorry but not sorry. My country is gone down because people want a better life here! Theres no more room!

[@denydeni144]

So true Sarah. UK has opened door for too many people with unrelisticly high expectations. I am European who spent many years in UK and have witnessed that.

[@Anon.5216]

They are not ALL refugees! Economic migrants should leave. If they have come for "better opportunities" it is at the expense of this people of the country.

[@stephen2975]

It is amazing how people think they should be entitled to benefits without contributing anything! Why should the people of another country supply their needs? They have not contributed anything at all! The tax payer is funding these benefits! The system needs revising to make people's situation better but handouts is not the way.

[@tiffanyhoff5806]

Being without papers can be very dangerous.

[@2msvalkyrie529]

Yeah . Try it in middle East or African country ? Before whining about how bad Britain is !!

[@hannah60000]

@@2msvalkyrie529 What does your comment have to do with the original comment? Typical illogical bs.

[@donnabeuth3193]

Look,we can't sustain everyone in the world who wants to come here.wanting a better life is understandable,but it doesn't give people the right to enter any country and access social benefits or services. If you've been refused status,you simply have to leave. And the woman stating that the other lady has rights because she has British children,this is wro ng

[@richardwilson57]

This woman is essentially inadvertently providing people traffickers with a business model…….

[@RonaldShea5680]

The UK can take no more of this insanity, our once wonderful country is systematically being destroyed financially, culturally and ethnically. Absolutely deplorable.

[@SpecialAgentTinkyWinky]

😂 I know it stings

[@wompwomp752]

@@SpecialAgentTinkyWinky dumb enough comment

[@SpecialAgentTinkyWinky]

@Dog boy welcomed into what? into my own country that wudnt be what it is today if it weren’t for immigrants like my great grandparents 😂 no I don’t wonder nothing 😌

[@catherinemoore9534]

You've said it! 👍 It's just too depressing and so counter-productive! I want to cry...

[@john-ro7qr]

@@SpecialAgentTinkyWinky welcome too modern day Britain the Dustbin of the World.

[@dottieland7061]

I am sorry I had to leave the UK as I was sick of it all . I gave up my UK passport and now I am a Japanese citizen. It has taken me 20 years to get this, I had to prove I had a job, a place to live for at least 2 years, the documents I had to fill out were a nightmare and I had to have at least £5,000. For the first year. I agree yes you should be able to get into the country of your choice but do it legally instead of the bag of a wagon or on a boat. Why should countries put hands in pockets to help people who throw their documents away, won’t tell the truth, lie and rip councils and tax payers off. And they should not be working for cash in hand. Japan is strict and their is a reason why. The UK is at breaking point the world is at breaking point we cannot afford to keep people who won’t bring documents and be honest with everyone. And a lot of people are starting to feel resentment towards these people.

[@goodnightmyprince6734]

At least you're not threatened with torture ot worse.

[@dottieland7061]

@@goodnightmyprince6734 no I was told to go home and still am despite being half Japanese. My mum said England is broken now and cannot afford to take anyone else especially when they can’t look after their own.

[@korrin897]

If they are why do so many destroy documents? Doesn't add up

[@dottieland7061]

@tuuli north it’s great I have been 20 years with no problems

[@khf8335]

And there are also who come to live to the UK to live on benefits instead of working.

[@Stand663]

They live on benefits and work illegally.

[@chadwalton8072]

At what point did we automatically talk about foreigners having an absolute rt to our society

[@banjowerms9701]

That poor woman has 2 children that were born here but she has no rights. A powerful argument for stopping the channel crossings and trafficking into the UK as otherwise this cycle will continue. Look at the complicated mess that's created when they enter the country illegally, not for asylum, as we are constantly told, but for a better life. Treat the cause not the symptom

[@christinefiedor3518]

Totally agree. People the grass is not always greener on the other side.

[@europainvicta3907]

Instead the UK government is now trafficking people to west Africa. Duh.

[@CJ-jp3zw]

She had those kids to get legal rights to stay in UK...

[@8ofwands300]

@@CJ-jp3zw Apparently it did not work, if you paid attention to the video. Please grow a heart.

[@SP-lw7mr]

@@8ofwands300 Reality check. Where does all this end and how Much immigration, legal or otherwise, can we sustain. The negative effects of the last 60+ years of unhinged immigration policies are all around you. Are we all to live in high rise, crime ridden ghettos and watch our quality of life decline?

[@sarina5352]

So painful, often other people take their lives for granted. 😒

[@marcuswalters8093]

This title resonated with me. There's nothing quite like some stranger yelling, "Go back home!" while you walk down the street you were born on.

[@nicothechihuahua3167]

It looks like the free ride of the UK is coming to an end. Most of these pass through several safe countries before they get here. They come here because of of our benefit system. The country is overcrowded we don't have enough houses and thats why people are living on the streets. Also deliveroo should be investigated and fined 10k for every illegal employee like other businesses do.

[@VivianVee56]

Thanks to people like this lady who still cares for those who aren't able to work legally and feed themselves.

[@bruhbruh2290]

imagine illegally going to a country, and then complaining how bad it is, then blaming the place you illegally entered. off to Rwanda !

[@GoodnWise]

I wouldn’t have included that Deliveroo self serving statement but thank you for this heartbreaking but illuminating documentary.

[@SL-ud7tf]

His cheek, I feel like I'm surviving not living, so are many hard working tax paying UK citizens

[@seiwarriors]

I understand the feeling that you're not British but you have lived throughout Britain most of your life and feel more British than where you were born.

[@andrewrobinson2565]

@jack_in_the_green I doubt whether you know a word of Japanese or have ever thought about going there. Joke bloke 🤣🤣🤣.

[@igorderrico111]

@@andrewrobinson2565 You obviously are unable to read correctly. Try again.

[@carolginsberg8392]

Left uk 2o years ago Best thing I ever did And when I visited over years Couldn't wait to leave

[@jamesbyrne9312]

Where are you now? Van u say why, fascinated?

[@carolginsberg8392]

@@jamesbyrne9312 Texas

[@jamesbyrne9312]

@@carolginsberg8392 I've always been drawn to America given that my grandparents moved to New York in the 1940s but had to return to UK in the late 50s to look after their daughter who was born disabled. What is it you like about Texas as I am genuinely considering moving to the US if I can scrape some cash together.

[@carolginsberg8392]

Van ??

[@jamesbyrne9312]

@@carolginsberg8392 can

[@zqchen564]

This is a difficult subject. Just because one experienced hardship in the countries they were born, doesn’t mean as a system, a country should help and support every illegal resident, rules unfortunately has to be made, otherwise it is basically a message to the world that UK will accept anyone, just come and get free healthcare and benefits. There are refugee routes which are designed to help people, although understandably not everyone is eligible or have the access to that application process. Real respect to all these ordinary people who are trying to help in the meantime!

[@tolhumexy6706]

No refugee routes from places like Syria, Afghanistan etc, mate

[@hasaanzaman6241]

If the UK stopped following US and destroying other countries through wars may be people would be content in their own countries. You can’t expect people to stay in war torn countries. You would do the same. Odd how people have sympathy for Ukrainians but not other victims of war.

[@MrTVintro]

There are routes, but they're not designed to help people. They exist so countries can say "checkmark, we did our part!". Taking the UK and Syria as an example, the official UK "refugee route", in other words resettlement in cooperation with the UNHCR was capped at 20K. At the top of the war there were something like 6 million refugees. How is 20K going to do anything to help?

[@tolhumexy6706]

@@MrTVintro Thankls for info, bud

[@AlenaT-gm7go]

I'm on a graduate visa in the UK and have 'no recourse to public funds' conditions attached to my immigration status. I've done my master's and bachelor's degrees in the UK and altogether have lived in the country for 7 years now, combining working part-time (legally and paying taxes) and studying. None of those 7 years counts towards settlement: 3 student visas and one graduate. I have a chronic condition and am constantly worried knowing that if I get too ill and can't work, I'll be basically relying on whatever savings I have and charities. Even my relatives wouldn't be able to help because of the banking restrictions imposed on Russia. The NHS health surcharge and visa fees are massive and get increased every year, so being able to afford renewing visas is another worry. It's really hard even for legal migrants, like me. It is devastating think that I may lose the life I've built in this country, my friends, my partner, if anything goes wrong. My whole life is dictated by my immigration status. How is it fair?

[@jackryan3487]

Britain doesn’t not Have the capacity To help everyone

[@mariotaz]

Lol bruv. You're the kind of person who is like "the government can't help these people" but then when you're (a British national) gonna need help and the government doesn't help you;as they haven't for the last 2 years, remember your comment.

[@1Geeked]

Britain does have the capacity to help more than we currently are.

[@josm1481]

@@mariotaz your self defeating argument is funny enough but the lolz bruv just made it.

[@solidaritybritannia5573]

of course it does, all we need is motivation from decision makers

[@josm1481]

@@solidaritybritannia5573 you're implying Britain has infinite resources. It clearly doesn't

[@jacquig7118]

Move to Bradford or a more less expensive, accepting area, then they may not need to hide. London is too expensive to live in if you have not got the means to finance your life

[@Blastoice]

Wouldn't let my dog live in bradford

[@jacquig7118]

@@Blastoice You have to move to where your wallet can stretch and London is not the place as too expensive

[@Islam.is.the.truth..]

@@Blastoice it’s not your choice when seeking asylum

[@Blastoice]

@@Islam.is.the.truth.. I'd choose Afghanistan over Bradford

[@sayitaintso2900]

@@Islam.is.the.truth.. Then be grateful that the UK is offering asylum to those from repressive nations. There is no asylum offered by many countries in the world.

[@rio-wi1el]

I am sorry they feel left out and abandoned but so do English people born and bred here who are homeless and living on the streets, they cannot get a doctor or help from the government because they have no address, if it is so bad for you why don't you go back home?

[@michaelrichard4162]

No opportunity back home it’s not really like that they can’t get help as they don’t have an address I feel more sorry for the immigrants that come here

[@diopfifi4937]

Those people are not asking for free things. They are asking to be allowed to work.

[@RocioLopez9378]

Why don't they go back to their countries? If they left their countries, it was because there was no work or they want their children to prosper by studying in another country that has better job opportunities. They just wanna job and better life for the kids, i think everyone wants the same think for the own kids…

[@mosaicpaint3223]

i can really vouch for this. despite doing your best with visa and extension and following the rules, it gets disparaging and so depressing. it makes you feel small as a human; despite getting lawyers, visa assistance, doing the right thing, and then you get really bad options and are left to go home

[@patriciavandevelde5469]

There is already nothing left for the British! So bye bye

[@nemamodgeddi5338]

Sorry to hear that. Hope it works out for you.

[@-_-11k52]

What a wonderful lady, truly amazing work

[@jovelyng7221]

I am immigrant and I came to England legally, I’ve given the opportunity that I can only dream off. Sometimes we ask to much of England , they already open there doors what do we want a golden spoon? I believe some immigrants like me is suffering but not all some has choice but choose to just want to be handed everything.

[@joea500]

Did you even watch the film?

[@stephanblack4558]

England is not an endless pit of cash, there must be limits on immigration. Britain must get it's own house in order before helping others, there is a huge housing crises in the U.K. yet they allow 1000's more immigrants in each day, lots are illegal, who is paying for it all??? the tax payer!!!... stop the nonsense..

[@zayd4684]

This is such an insensitive and needless comment

[@igorderrico111]

@@joea500 You disagree then ?

[@nemamodgeddi5338]

You missed the point of the video.

[@thetmichannel8301]

My friend on the 10 year route, married to a British citizen & has British children, she wanted to do Nursing then Medicine, but has to wait the 10 years to get student finance, she will be 40 when she will be able to go to university! Its so unfair and heartbreaking when the NHS need these people now!

[@Taylor23890]

Even British born can’t afford uni .

[@binduliyanage1521]

More strength and all the best ❤️

[@dami7475]

My best friend left the UK because of similar situation, he moved to the US now he is married with a job as a biomedical scientist

[@fuaadee]

Thanks

[@willieexplore]

Great story, thanks for sharing!

[@pcreed]

Hi Lynda, this is brilliant, well done. Hopefully it will make a few people with some power in this area think.

[@solidaritybritannia5573]

Very happy you like it thank you Penny x

[@Enlightened-rd1jz]

wherever peaceful community goes trouble follows

[@MeinUnterkampf]

@@Enlightened-rd1jz ignoramus

[@stephanblack4558]

England is not an endless pit of cash, there must be limits on immigration. Britain must get it's own house in order before helping others, there is a huge housing crises in the U.K. yet they allow 1000's more immigrants in each day, lots are illegal, who is paying for it all??? the tax payer!!!... stop the nonsense..

[@igorderrico111]

@@MeinUnterkampf You are, don`t apologise...

[@alanw4822]

We are full thank you very much !!!

[@victoriablacklock6649]

This is fantastic Lynda, such an important topic to cover and really well produced. Thank you for sharing

[@solidaritybritannia5573]

Very pleased you liked the film and thanks for the kinds words

[@Walter_Nicolas]

Hi how're you doing Victoria and your family hope they're all doing great

[@Walter_Nicolas]

May I know where you're from

[@elvinl.490]

There's not enough Council Housing for locals , if you legalize everyone that want to come here , forget it

[@SL-ud7tf]

People won't stop trying to enter UK until a drastic blockage is planned and implemented

[@violinstar5948]

During WW2 my gran and grampa remember the bombing and they and their families did not flee Britain they stayed and defended their home. They did not flee “for a better life”.

[@hannah60000]

Well, did they have a choice? Just because they didn’t leave, doesn’t mean other did not. Children were made to live in countryside, it’s a form of “leaving”. It’s all about opportunities and chances. Also, the world was a very different place, especially during WW2, which saw many people displaced. Additionally, Britain was never occupied and is an island country. There were geographical and political matters that come into play such as restriction on immigration out of Britain, which prevented many from leaving as well. Why do you think there was mandatory conscription? Let’s not forget that many British people have immigrated for a better life in the last half century (and more) to places like Singapore, Australia, news Zealand, US and Canada, just to name a few. Why? They had the opportunity to leave. Every country has economic migrates, your family members chose to stay but that doesn’t mean they were better than anyone for it.

[@mahanslt9110]

That's very true!

[@lazylad8544]

If you don't like it in Britain your free to leave.

[@SP-lw7mr]

Who told you you were welcome and would be handed free money and accommodation?.

[@lesleyb5591]

Apparently that's what people smugglers tell migrants.

[@SL-ud7tf]

@@lesleyb5591 plus advice from family and friends who made it in the UK beforehand

[@barbaraminto6709]

This is heart breaking!! The manner in which you presented your documentary was excellent, it was clear, honest, empathic and to the point and you DO deserve to be honoured.

[@solidaritybritannia5573]

Extremely kind of you to say so. Your words are easing, thanks a million

[@sayitaintso2900]

Why deserved to be honoured? Please elaborate.

[@donnabeuth3193]

Children only get British status if one of both parents are already UK citizens,not because you are born here. And it has to be applied for,not guaranteed.

[@SL-ud7tf]

I thought that too, unless policy changed, because 11:05 that lady says Michelle has permission to stay in the UK because her children are British

[@hannah60000]

Well, they didn’t state how her children were British, so we don’t know. However, I’ve seen cases where if you are the sole responsible parent of British or EU children you are entitled to stay and revive some state benefits derived from the fact the children have it. I don’t know the details of her circumstances, but she’s been in the UK from when she was child. Many variables are at play with regard to those applications.

[@Blastoice]

I'm not sure what they were expecting when coming to a country illegally? Economic migrants...

[@byblispersephone2.094]

Probably benefits galore and a free council house ?

[@suepem]

Not all immigrants make it. For those who don't the tab is picked up by the state. I hate the way Europe has become the new America for the third world. We can see how America has turned out.

[@maryrichards7776]

What do illegal immigrants expect? Really? If you break into a country illegally, what do you expect? Working illegally, not paying taxes: what do they expect?

[@mig7290]

The world and everything in it.

[@Anon.5216]

Over staying ur visa means u leave!

[@nickmiller76]

After you've completed your prison sentence hopefully.

[@lewis123417]

If your here illegally your entitled to nothing but a free trip home

[@miriamfergous858]

When England steals the resources of other countries the victims should have a place here

[@lewis123417]

@@miriamfergous858 you alone don't get to make that choice. Every government has the right to choose its own border policies, especially democracies

[@lewis123417]

@@miriamfergous858 we havnt been in Africa for almost 100 years now....Africans can blame themselves. You only have to look at south Africa's poor management and collapse from continuous corrupt socialist politicians. Sometimes countries have to take responsibility for their own failures. Again they have been independent for almost 100 years. Botswana and rwanda however have been doing quite fine thanks to their sensible free market economics and sensible governance over the past decade or so

[@miriamfergous858]

There are long term impacts of what we do 100yrs ago and need to be accountable

[@miriamfergous858]

And about countries making laws of who can and can’t come in is very ironic coming from a country who colnanizes and intervenes which countries in the past

[@ChangingHorizons]

Call me inhuman or immoral or anything you want to - but please explain why should british taxpayer be responsible for anyone who chose to leave his/her country because they did not stay back to make their own country better and leach of wealth - regardless of the reason. This cannot be sustainable for any country. I understand that these people had bad lives, but why should the ordinary British person be responsible. The common british man neither caused this or anything else.

[@AFDiini1722]

Ask your grand parents or parents why. I personally prefer my taxes to assist the needy in this country, I'm sure you prefer yours to fund some torry lord's lifestyle and second, third and holiday homes.

[@ChangingHorizons]

@ferenfer tv I think you mistook me to be British. My maternal grandparents were subjects of the British empire and my paternal grandfather's were subjects of French empire. I am citizen of free India, I believe in forgiving. I do not blame any British person who lives today, as they cannot change the dastardly actions of their grandparents. I still do not believe that British people today can or should support refugees. I can assure you Indians if they wished have bigger claim than anyone else, but we forgave and want to co-exist.

[@irenelopez6082]

How on Earth on this day and age some people pay tax but have no access to medical assistance or benefits? I have no words.

[@hannah60000]

In some countries, people still have to pay for health care while being taxed. It’s not unusually. It depends on the system that the country employs. Also, for the undocumented they work cash to hand or the illegal job market.

[@mt3930]

@@hannah60000 but they are paying tax at the same rate as people who are getting free healthcare. Through paying tax, they contribute to the NHS, yet can't use it. How is that fair?

[@igorderrico111]

Whereas the unentitled can. I agree.

[@chow24]

There he goes with his 2 BIG Bags of food 6.15 Just after the uk pensioner..with her small bag..that she bought ....This is SO SO WRONG .....ALSO He had a covered face.......this is madness

[@codswallop321]

Of course we have a moral duty to help those fleeing other countries for life-threatening reasons. But it must be done within a legal framework.

[@codswallop321]

@@lyndaouazar222 so... it's OK to break the law if it's inconvenient? Not sure I understand.

[@jackmehoff6881]

Exactly. I agree 100%. They come illegally and then whine and threaten violence when they don’t get the benefits afforded to those who arrive legally. Unbelievable!

[@Anicius_]

@@jackmehoff6881 who allows burkas aren't there any laws in britian regarding that? Please tell me if you're from uk

[@GladysAlicea]

I've read several books by knowledgeable scholars who research throughout the world to get information. Britain and the US work together, which is why we see the same immigration problems in both countries. Legal frameworks, like the US cutting legal help at Mexican border, make it difficult for people to plead their cases. I'm totally against what Putin's doing in Ukraine, yet thousands of Ukrainian refugees were let in recently at the Mexican border on instant temporary visas. There were some legal steps bypassed to make that happen, but the thousands of others who've been waiting at the same border, in some cases years, are denied legal access or even temporary entry. Their countries are at civil war, dealing with drug cartels murdering investigative journalists dealing with corruption, and many other issues, yet they're not allowed in. What most people don't realize is that birth rates in the West are rapidly declining and more and more are entering their retirement years. What this means is that there won't be enough workers to do the jobs most don't want to do, low-wages picking produce, delivering food, etc. The West needs workers not just for these jobs, for for those like the film student who's young and has so much to contribute. In this massive exodus many European countries caused with decades of colonialism, war, etc., they've the nerve to dehumanize and debilitate these immigrants from the same countries they controlled and robbed of resources and jobs. I could say so much more, because I'm constantly reading about history and current events, but it's very difficult to work within a system legally when the laws are stacked against you.

[@codswallop321]

@@GladysAlicea It must be up to the British people to decide how the system will work, via a democratic process. We can't simply ignore the law based on what "feels right", as this subjective judgement will vary from individual to individual.

[@amymhchan1584]

🧡 @ the people helping others

[@sabscoolYarr]

Great video amazing message well done 👍

[@solidaritybritannia5573]

Thank you

[@sabscoolYarr]

No problem keep up the content

[@sasshe9240]

have you ever thought about doing a follow up about homeless veterans on the streets? and then maybe a series of other needy people also.

[@syedadeelhussain2691]

Life is tough everywhere! Human beings go through so many hardships. Heartbreaking to see how poor people suffer.

[@Areflection4]

an excellent video, this Lady and her African colleague deserve formal recognition.

[@solidaritybritannia5573]

Very kind of you to say so, thanks a lot

[@reeling-in]

The door is open. No one is stopping you from leaving!

[@paullynton-green6570]

That's what l don't understand.lf lcould live somewhere else why,unless my life is in danger would live in this joke shop..

[@SL-ud7tf]

But why go when UK has free housing, school, nhs and benefits etc

[@patriciavandevelde5469]

I m suffering to ! Nobody helps me!

[@lemonfish8791]

First of all if you're an immigrant and before things get harder to live in a foreign country... GOOO HOOOME🤷🏿‍♀️🤦🏿‍♀️

[@get2rog]

Well you can thank Sadiq Khan.

[@SL-ud7tf]

Yep, that's inevitable in London

[@adeabaarmah2259]

The british are very wicked, how can people work and pay taxes but be not able to access those right your workers get. Who does that??

[@astrongyoungwoman2460]

Exactly 💯

[@Alice.in.Marmalade]

How is it that someone who's been here since age 10 is denied citizenship? doesn't make sense to me...

[@SL-ud7tf]

I was wondering about that too. Maybe there are some current immigration regulations that I've not updated myself on. Edit: mind you another situation reminds me that there are asylum seeker applicants in the UK waiting over 8 years to know their outcome. Whatever Home office is doing is slow.

[@proudwumao7280]

London is already indian or Pakistan city

[@donnabowen6301]

And Birmingham.

[@Hugomad2]

Uk is definitely broken

[@dreamy665]

Nicole is such a beautiful human being

[@selkoa8384]

Stay in your country . You be better treated

[@DeadlyAquarious]

Great effort to highlight many issues at the same time.....love for one's own homeland is natural.....Majority just want a better life for themselves and there families.....Human beings on God's earth.......Pay the taxes and live by the law.........Help each other out in any way you can..........❤✌

[@555Sludge]

These people are not entitled to anything due to being here illegally. Are they being willfully ignorant?! How is this a shock to anyone.

[@miriamfergous858]

Why would someone come here illegally and leave everyone and everything they know unless they had to

[@555Sludge]

@@miriamfergous858 This simply isn't true and we need to nip this narrative in the bud.

[@razor2k911]

Very insightful...incredible stories, what a lauzy social system.

[@solidaritybritannia5573]

Thank you for the comment

[@sayitaintso2900]

Then work to improve the social system since you have a sharp insight into its failings. Which country has a better social system? I'll wait ....

[@igorderrico111]

Wonder if you pay into it ?

[@Anon.5216]

Around here there are old mattresses, settees, all thrown out in their gardens attracting vermin, etc. Their standards are lower than ours.

[@mamaraah2578]

There’s so many nasty comments here.

[@janebaker966]

Best comedy line. All my volunteers have left me and gone and got jobs.

[@SL-ud7tf]

I bet no one wanted to be on camera, made their excuse and ran! Especially understandable if they were illegal immigrants.

[@justdawnonline]

Omg Guatan... me and him were talking during pandemic I had no idea this was his reality.

[@allyadoe9802]

“Neither on a world scale nor within any society should anybody feel so scorned, depreciated, mocked, or demonised that in order to be able to live among his fellow-citizens he is forced to conceal or be ashamed of his religion, colour, language, name, or any other ingredient of his identity”. Amin Maalouf, 20th-21st Century.

[@andrewrobinson2565]

@jack_in_the_green How much land do you own, jack?

[@andrewrobinson2565]

@jack_in_the_green You talk about your "land". Yes, I have principles.

[@andrewrobinson2565]

@jack_in_the_green Can you point to examples of "children being bullied at schools their parents went to because they are white"? All children get bullied at school, even when every child there is white. Also; do you know the percentage of native/indigenous people in England (I presume you are English)? That's 3 questions: a) your land b) bullying of children because they are white c) the percentage of white native/indigenous people. Take as long as you like.

[@andrewrobinson2565]

@jack_in_the_green Does ANYONE "have" a country? I own about 200 square metres of France, but that's it.

[@igorderrico111]

@@andrewrobinson2565 Sounds like more than envious old you....

[@hawaiitongie8671]

i hope u make another one hidden crime victims uk.

[@solidaritybritannia5573]

Great idea, thanks for the suggestion

[@bfc2155]

So essentially you just vindicated people's opinions. People moving to the UK and hating the place, disliking the police and threatening people. Nice work

[@michelleshelley995]

Watching from Kentucky 2022 dec

[@ilyas151207]

Nice documentary Lynda 🥰🥰🥰 Same time I had tears in my eyes 😢😢

[@solidaritybritannia5573]

Thanks a lot for the comment

[@jonsimmons4150]

"lost jobs and houses" but have no I.D papers or right to remain..

[@Betcaligarcia]

Parents fault for doing this to their kids

[@jdmmg4904]

💟

[@sharongillesp]

HUMANITY can no longer have community, a sense of long term stability, opportunity, peace or joy as long as governments continue to feed on a capitalist economy.

[@igorderrico111]

We don`t want socialism at any cost.

[@CJ-jp3zw]

The problem is you want the gov to recognise your rights but how will you contribute to society? Will you help others that are not from your culture? Do you want to learn UK culture and language too instead of speaking in your language?

[@vmoses1979]

All the people profiled had some kind of job and were paying taxes. Why are you assuming they 'will not help others' or learn 'UK culture or language'? How does one get a job without speaking basic English or knowing something about UK culture? The comments display the sheer nastiness of some Brits. There is a focus on 'illegal' entry. However, international law allows people to leave their countries via any means to seek asylum in a safe place. There is no illegality committed to come by boat or any other means to claim asylum.

[@janebaker966]

They will all open yet more fast food shops on high streets selling a cheap version of their native street food which now will probably be a version of a Macburger anyway. The proliferation of their only way to make a living will further drag down the high street,attract the lowest elements of humanity and add to the swirling litter that the council now can't afford to pick up.

[@janebaker966]

@@vmoses1979 if they are doing those low wage anti social hours jobs that only give you a meagre living then they won't be paying income tax will they. NI yes,VAT yes but income tax no. If they are working in the black economy they won't be paying tax. If they are making a huge and wonderful contribution to our society and paying those mythical shed loads of tax then they must have a legitimate well paid professional job for which they are qualified and have the right to live here(in some form) and thus they won't need food banks or other firms of social provision. Anyway how come a black or dark skinned person doing a "low skill,low wage,anti-social hours job is a hero/heroine of angelic divinity but when I do it it's just meh". Is their money worth four times as much as mine. Only I've never been told my paying tax contributed to society at all.

[@vmoses1979]

@@janebaker966 The crux of your problem appears to be that you have some complex against 'black or dark skinned people' getting lauded supposedly in some left wing newspaper like the Guardian. Why does that bother you so much? Why is it you want your 'race' or your type to receive a mention? This is a complex that nothing can cure - not even stopping all migration to the UK.

[@towhitby1]

Makes me feel better that I never tip deliveroo drivers...

[@datingandlifeadvicechannel7534]

😂

[@masudislam9399]

Government is giving benefits to all those EU passport holders who are working cash in hand in hidden economy. Personally I know so many Italian, Spanish, Romanian, Portuguese, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Bulgarian and others who are getting all kinds of government benefits but also they are working and taking cash in hand jobs

[@nickmiller76]

They saw the locals doing it and thought "Why not?"

[@igorderrico111]

"Working" is the word...

[@fear_not]

That's not true that people with NRPF cannot use NHS for free. I work in homelessness charity in London and I know that everybody in UK regardless of their status have their rights to access health care for free and e.g., GP cannot refuse to register anyone. Also, due to their destitution, they will get free prescriptions, free eye test and glasses and so on...

[@candidaalex2007]

That’s is very true, I know someone who personally had no papers whatsoever and got very very sick, I told him that he could go to hospital and they treat you first and ask questions later. He is now being helped by the hospital to get himself situated. But living like that definitely sucks.

[@diopfifi4937]

Yes they do refuse now. Before they never used to refuse. Now they do. They ask you valid documents to register.

[@diopfifi4937]

No no. There is no free prescription for illegal immigrants, failed asylum seekers. You cannot register for gp today if you are illegal immigrants and failed asylum seekers. People who qualify for free prescription are those who qualify for benefits, free health care and universal credit. Meaning People with valid documents.

[@diopfifi4937]

@@candidaalex2007 he most have registered before the Conservative government came to power. All asylum seekers and illegal immigrants had access to health care before the Conservative government came in 2010.

[@yoyowatwat]

I cant even get a dentist because there full up and im british born and yes i should come first.

[@pale_profile7237]

Oh

[@pipnipipa7627mimmahappunchaol]

Well done so happy for your courage

[@Ali01007]

Lovely lady.

[@prasenjitdey4222]

"London" the City of James Bond, Blondes & Financial bonds.👍🍻

[@sav283]

This woman will be Camilla Batman... 2.0 Typical that threats of violence towards journalists gets turned around to say the violent aggressors are victims.

[@elhamaslani9092]

❤️

[@chelloandra]

" compassionate Britain" ….. reality of status

[@shh_you_are_wrong]

People think they're being clever by trying to jump the queue and bypass the system, but they are only making it harder for themselves in the long run. It's hard enough for those that are already here and officially entitled to access valuable resources WITH the correct documentation!

[@michaelrichard4162]

Remember it’s not easy coming here the legal way and when your stuck in your country with no job looking for a better future you have no option

[@igorderrico111]

@@michaelrichard4162 So lets give a trafficker a huge bundle of money to go the illegal route ? We should have the option to remove immediately.

[@Troy-ol5fk]

If rich countries are willing to help poor ones then there won't be so many immigrants

[@NathalieOfficial]

It's not that simple sadly...most poor countries are so corrupt that the money does not go where it should. It just never reaches the people. If people wanted to actually solve poverty and famine, it would've been solved already.

[@Troy-ol5fk]

@@NathalieOfficial Yes a few years ago I read a book, its central argument is in modern society famines are more of a distribution problem than a production one

[@juniormartin3528]

@Dog boy that's because they are greedy.