The Senedd debates the ongoing challenges EU citizens face in Wales, raising fears of a potential repeat of the Windrush Scandal.
Cardiff: So, it’s been a while since Brexit, right? But EU citizens in Wales are still feeling the heat. The Welsh Government is diving into this issue, especially after worries about a potential ‘second Windrush’ popped up.
Remember the Windrush Scandal? It was a big deal when it came to light that many people lost their rights due to changes in UK laws. Now, four years after leaving the EU, some folks are still struggling with their status.
Groups like the charity Settled are stepping up, pointing out the hiccups with the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). They’re worried about EU citizens’ rights and what could happen if things don’t change.
Just last month, the Senedd had a serious chat about this. It seems the Welsh Government is taking these concerns to heart, which is a good sign.
So, what’s the EUSS all about? Launched in 2019, it was meant to help EU citizens stay in the UK after Brexit. But even though the deadline was in June 2021, people are still applying late.
If you get accepted, you might end up with either ‘settled’ or ‘pre-settled’ status. The catch? Those with temporary status could miss out on benefits and family reunification.
Recent stats show that out of 8.1 million applications, about 124,642 came from Wales. That’s a lot of people potentially at risk!
Now, why the comparison to Windrush? Well, without settled status, EU citizens could lose their jobs, homes, and even face deportation. It’s a scary thought, especially since the Windrush Generation had to jump through hoops to prove they belonged here.
The Windrush Scandal revealed how harsh laws created a hostile environment for many who had lived in the UK legally. Some were even deported to places they barely remembered. It was heartbreaking.
As the UK tries to fix the mess from the Windrush Scandal, the idea of a ‘second Windrush’ is really worrying for many.