UK depth study: Immigration Flashcards
When was the second wave of immigration into the UK?
After the second world war
UK needed people to rebuild the country and fill the labour gap
When was the third wave of immigration into the UK?
In the 1960’s and 1970’s after the UK had places limits on immigration. Mainly from India and Pakistan
Where was employment needed post 1945 in the UK?
Construction
NHS and London Transport
Who came to the UK as part of the second wave immigration post 1945?
European refugees
People from the Commonwealth
What did the UK expect second wave immigrants to do after helped rebuild the UK?
Return back to their country of origin
Expected second wave immigrants form a peacetime workforce - not to be permanent residents of the UK
What enabled second wave immigration?
British Nationality Act 1948
Millions given British passports in Commonwealth
Why was the UK attractive to immigrants?
Employment opportunities
Higher wages and standard of life
Some people in the Commonwealth felt they were British - thought it was their ‘mother country’
Escaping conflict in new countries - India and Pakistan
Exciting adventure - opportunity to travel
What was the first symbol of second wave migration?
SS Empire Windrush in 1948
Bought immigrants to Britain from the Caribbean
What act was put in place in 1962 that severely effected immigration into the UK from the Commonwealth?
1962 Commonwealth Immigration Act
Introduced a voucher system
Aimed to reduce unskilled migrants
What act was put in place in 1968 that reduced immigration into the UK?
1968 Commonwealth Immigration Act
Reduced number of vouchers - needed to be born in Britain or have family already in Britain
Aimed to favour white commonwealth and limit the migration of Kenyan Asians
Why was there a sudden influx of Ugandan Asians in 1972?
Idi Amin calls Kenyan Asians ‘bloodsuckers’ and gives them 90 days to leave Uganda
60000 Asian Ugandans
Response to aid rejection by UK in 1970 - Uganda became independent in 1962
Why was there a sudden influx of Kenyan Asians in 1967?
Jomo Kenyatta forced Kenyan Asians to either become Kenyan or British - 95 000 became British
100000 Kenyan Asians
In 1967 gov’t declares all non-kenyans foreign
Foreigners could only work and stay temporarily
How did the nature of immigration to the UK change through the 1950’s to the 1960’s?
In 1950’s single males migrating
In 1960’s families follow - unskilled
Rural migrants from Pakistan and India that are illiterate and can’t speak English
What were the experiences of migrants in the UK?
Lots of discrimination - colour bar
Housing and workplace discrimination - no promotions
Also social discrimination
Fact about workplace discrimination
Transport and General workers Union - demanded that no more than 5% of workers are black
Response to 1955 West Midlands Transport Workers Union strikes against increasing numbers of coloured workers
When was the summer of violence and why?
1958
Due to economic downturn there were less jobs available, therefore whites blamed coloured for stealing their jobs. Teddy boy gangs developed - anti-coloured
Why did Asian migrants have a better experience of the UK than Caribbean migrants?
Lower expectations - expected discrimination
Didn’t consider themselves British
Segregated themselves
Successful businesses - revitalised the corner shop
Fact about migrants and how British they feel?
Jamacian’s - 87% considered themselves British
Asians - 2% considered themselves British
How did politicians deal with racial discrimination?
1965-1966 - Race Relations Act
Illegal to discriminate racially
1968 Race Relations Act
Illegal to discriminate over housing and employment
What was the public response to immigration in the UK?
Teddy Boys
National Front founded 1967
Enoch Powell’s rivers of blood speech
All wanted to end immigration into the UK
What is a example of racial violence against migrants?
1958 Notting Hill Riots
What do immigrants contribute to British society?
Helped rebuild the UK after world war two
Filled labour gap - helps economy
NHS and London Transport dependent on migrants
Regenerated ruined areas they were forced to live in
Revitalised the corner shop
Contributed culturally - Food and music (reggae)
