Lucrezia Bosio has spent almost her entire life in the UK, considering herself British in every way—except legally. Despite living in southwest London since infancy, holding settled status, and engaging in British life, Lucrezia discovered she couldn’t vote in the Brexit referendum due to her immigration status.
Lucrezia is among over five million people in the UK who cannot vote in the upcoming general election on 4 July due to their immigration status, 2024 according to the Migrant Democracy Project. This group includes individuals who have lived and contributed to the UK for decades but lack voting rights.
Over the past thirty years, immigration has profoundly shaped British politics, rising from a minor concern to a major issue influencing elections. Public attitudes toward immigration were pivotal in the Brexit vote and continue to drive policy decisions aimed at tightening immigration rules.
However, amidst these debates, the voices of migrants themselves are often absent. Lucrezia’s personal experience highlights the frustration of being actively involved in British society yet being denied a say in its political future.
Lucrezia’s situation stems from a series of bureaucratic challenges. Despite holding an Italian passport and settled status, she faced obstacles in acquiring British citizenship, which would grant her the right to vote. High costs and stringent requirements for citizenship have made the process prohibitive for many migrants like Lucrezia.
The Migrant Democracy Project advocates for a residency-based voting system, similar to models in countries like New Zealand, where voting rights are tied to residency rather than citizenship. In the UK, while migrants can vote in local elections in Wales and Scotland, they are excluded from general elections for the UK Parliament unless they are UK or Commonwealth citizens.
This discrepancy has significant implications for migrants’ engagement in UK democracy. Lara Parizotto, from the Migrant Democracy Project, emphasizes the need for inclusive voting rights to foster a healthier democracy that reflects the diverse communities contributing to British society.
The financial burden adds another layer of complexity. The UK’s high visa and citizenship fees pose a substantial barrier to obtaining full citizenship rights. For instance, Claudia Turbet-Delof, originally from Bolivia, opted for French citizenship due to lower costs, enabling her to vote in local elections but not national ones, despite being an elected councillor.
The issue extends beyond individual cases to impact public policy and community representation. Eduardo Peres, a Brazilian NHS doctor, stresses the vital contributions of migrants to sectors like healthcare. Despite his significant role in the NHS, Eduardo feels marginalized politically, unable to influence decisions that affect his work and community.
The exclusion of migrants from political discourse contributes to misunderstandings and stereotypes, perpetuating divisive narratives about immigration. Eduardo emphasizes that migrants contribute economically and socially to the UK but are often portrayed negatively in public debates.
The upcoming general election highlights the urgency of addressing these issues to ensure a fair and inclusive democratic process in the UK. As political parties debate immigration policies, the voices and rights of millions of migrants remain at the heart of the discussion.