The legal and social impact of British immigration legislation: A post-Brexit analysis
The legal and social impact of British immigration legislation: A post-Brexit analysis

Summary/Abstract: In this article, we present an analysis of the evolution and current implications of British immigration legislation, with particular emphasis on the transformative legal changes following Brexit. The aim is to look at how this legal framework has been shaped by the new socio-economic and cultural landscape. Embedding the analysis within a historical perspective, from the post-World War II era to the present, we outline key legislative documents and major legal reforms to situate these legal developments within the broader socio-political and economic contexts that have shaped immigration policy. We then look into the complex impacts of post-Brexit immigration reforms on the UK’s labour market, public services, and social cohesion, arguing how the end of free movement and the expansion of the points-based system have altered migration patterns, with a decline in EU nationals and a rise in non-EU migration affecting key sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality. Drawing on recent empirical data, we seek to point out immigrants’ invaluable contributions to addressing skill shortages, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and supporting public finances, while also identifying ongoing challenges related to legal complexity, integration barriers, and access to services. We also offer some recommendations for future immigration provisions aimed at enhancing flexibility, reducing bureaucratic obstacles, and promoting inclusive integration strategies that work towards a balanced approach that aligns economic needs82with humanitarian commitments and social equity in the UK’s evolving larger context.

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