Immigrants but legal ones?

[Tiktakmam]

I’ve been living in the UK for 16 years, have two children, and work full-time. I consider myself integrated, living according to British values, and respecting this country. I look after myself and my home, and I try to contribute positively to the community.

Yet, many of us — especially from Eastern Europe — don’t feel entirely safe with the ongoing issues around illegal migrant boats. Even though we are legal residents, I’ve noticed growing dissatisfaction from some neighbours. When I mention that I’m from Eastern Europe, I often hear comments like, “Of course you are…” — basically implying I’m not British.

This makes me feel like I’ve somehow “brought these boats” here, as if I’m just another part of the immigrant problem. Seeing flags and attitudes that suggest “immigrants go home” is disheartening.

I also feel somewhat less confident around British people, especially in areas with mostly locals and fewer immigrants. For example, when I travel to campsites or smaller towns, I sometimes feel looked at as untrustworthy. Luckily, in London I feel much less like this.

Post-Brexit, it feels like the country has changed in ways that make life less secure, not just for immigrants but for everyone. It’s heartbreaking that all migrants, legal or not, are often dropped into one pot and judged as a single group.

I keep wondering — after so many years of people from other countries contributing to making the UK a brighter, more vibrant place, why does it feel like the country has been going downhill over time?

I feel so heartbroken, because I understand that the UK will never truly be my home, as I was not born here. Yet it hurts to realize that, with every passing year, it feels more and more like I will never be fully welcome.

Why has it gone so wrong on a broader scale? How can we have a healthier, safer society for everyone, while respecting the law and supporting integration?

I hope we can have a conversation about this that goes beyond fear and politics, and focuses on community, fairness, and safety for all residents.
Im just curious, in this era of migrant boats and heightened tension around immigration, how do you perceive or feel about other immigrants, even those who are legal residents? Does this climate affect the way you interact with them or how you feel about other immigrants, especially in less multicultural towns? What does your family of friends say?

Exactly. That was the point that was being made.

What question?

What are you on about? Your response makes no sense.

I agree and also what a sad state of affairs to be so suspicious of everyone who is not exactly like you, I mean are we going to be reduced to being suspicious of people from the North or the South of the UK with this othering.

Actually some do. For example UAE. BUT it does bring them great benefits. That's the trick

‘Victim mentality’??

I’ve got no idea how your post relates to mine in any way. I’ll assume you’ve quoted the wrong one.

Honestly all us legal tax paying immigrants- especially those not white- need to stop trying to convince xenophobes, especially those on this thread. They won't be convinced. I do not care what they say.
I have been generally welcomed by most Londoners, so I venture to say that London is mostly very welcoming ( no experience of other cities)

My parents are migrants. So I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for migrants.
It's horrible how racism and the far right seems to have taken hold.
I don't know what can be done about it but it's really scary.

@pointythings The British have always been an insular nation, suspicious of foreigners.

How rude (and untrue).

Agree. If I migrated I would bend over backwards to learn the language and fit in with the local ways whichever country I went to. British people can't query why this hasn't been happening here without being labelled racist. The pendulum has swung too far the other way. Asylum seekers and some economic migrants should always be welcomed but the onus is on them to fit in not British people and culture to change to accommodate.

I'm a tax paying immigrant - what is it that I'm meant to be trying to convince people of?

The UK is plenty welcoming outside London too, maybe broaden your horizons.

Legal immigrants have a language test. I was educated entirely in English but still took it to make things easier. I am not sure how people are bypassing this but they shouldn't.

I’m so sorry you feel like this. Please know that many of us who were born here do not feel the same way as the people you’re experiencing x

@Ihavetoask you said "literally wondering why people from Aus, NZ etc.. are given senior roles over Brits"

I didn't say other cities are not welcoming I said I had no experience of them. Very clearly.

over run with Polish shops?

I take it you mean busy/thriving/ rescued by the presence of footfall.

It's b1 so pretty easy level. I didn't have to do it, DH did and he rolled his eyes at having to spend money on that easy test

OP, don't believe the online noise. It's a murky swamp that doesn't reflect the reality of what most people feel. Yes, the contagion is spreading and more people are falling into the populist trap, but don't say the UK will never be your home- because it already is your home.

So if immigration is such a problem, why don’t the government close the borders and stop all immigration? What’s stopping them? Oh yes, because they don’t want to wipe your own ageing parents’ arses, you need an immigrant to do that, right?

I was an immigrant in an Asian country during a decade, but i would never have presumed that my community there was making the place more "vibrant" 😅

This is the problem we can’t have a proper debate about immigration and a recognition that there are pros and cons, instead people descend into insults. Sad isn’t it?

UAE: totally different. Citizenship can never be a "right" for a foreigner; it's a privilege which is bestowed on them. You never "qualify." There's almost no path to citizenship. You go to work, fund yourself entirely, and can be removed at any time. You'll never be entitled to any form of support from the state, or have equal rights to a native.

In other words, they can be a minority numerically but their dominant status will never be threatened.

That's entirely different to the UK. You'll never have a leader with a British surname there.

Not true. There is a VERY long list of exemptions, even with recent changes impacting dependents.

Many people at my work are from Eastern Europe and I have noticed a huge increase in negative attitudes towards them lately. People are grouping them into the same category as those who arrive illegally on boats.
In my workplace the attitude is very much if you weren’t born in the UK, why are you here/you should leave…etc. It appears to be becoming more common and accepted for this type of behaviour. We also have a large number of employees from African countries and the hostility towards them is horrific, including regular use the racial slurs. All of this comes from not only general staff but also managers and contractors who come on site.

It is very easy, I agree. Life in the UK test needs to be studied for, but also was easier than I feared.
However Starmer has announced plans to make the test harder in the future.