P066 - More Harm than Good: Examining the impact of immigration policy on non-UK nationals experiencing homelessness and exploitation within Greater Manchester

• In Event: Poster Session & Ice Cream Social

Abstract

Exploitation is an abuse of human rights, when compounded with destitution, it is an intersectional issue which encompasses problems caused by austerity, political economy (greed), xenophobia, and racism. This research aims to study the effects of 'crimmigration' practices on non-UK nationals who have experienced/are experiencing homelessness in the UK and how this impacts their vulnerability to exploitation. This research developed during years of volunteering at a homeless charity in Greater Manchester, where the inequalities not only within society, but within the provision of welfare support in the homeless sector, were visible. Despite charities' best efforts to provide support to all who attend their services, they must overcome and work around additional obstacles for those affected by homelessness who have an irregular immigration status, and very often encounter barriers that do not permit them to provide much more than wellbeing support. This poster aims to provide an overview of how three key sectors of policy interact and inform one another - immigration, modern slavery, and homelessness. Drawing on the themes of - criminalisation and punishment, restriction of support, and use of rhetoric, this poster presents an in-depth exploration of complex and piecemeal policies and how they impact non-UK nationals experiencing homelessness and their vulnerability to exploitation in the UK.

Author

• Megan Hadfield, University of Manchester