Reduce immigration and prevent illegal entry into the UK by implementing stringent border controls and penalties, ensuring only authorised individuals reside in the country and protecting national resources.
This Policy Proposal is part of a collection of 3 interconnected but distinct policies with some dependancies between them. They are:
The Enhanced Criminal Fines Initiative (ECFI), Secure Borders and Immigration Control Initiative (SBICI), and Benefits System Reform and Integrity Initiative (BSRII). Together they form a cohesive framework aimed at protecting public resources, enhancing law enforcement, and promoting lawful behaviour in the UK. Their interlinkages strengthen their collective impact through shared principles and mechanisms.
Policy Overview:
- Introduce mandatory biometric registrationâfingerprints and photographsâat all UK ports of entry for all non-British nationals, including those identified as illegal immigrants at the border (such as arriving by boat).
- Maintain a comprehensive Ports Entry Database (PED) to track all non-resident foreign nationals. Presence in the UK without PED registration becomes an offence, punishable by deportation and fines.
- Criminalise illegal entry with automatic deportation upon conviction. Collect fingerprints, photographs, and DNA from offenders, imposing a lifetime ban on re-entry, residency applications, refugee applications, and access to UK benefits.
- Seize any assets owned by illegal entrants within the UK (e.g., property, bank accounts), with proceeds allocated to fund Border Force operations.
- Enable police to verify immigration status via PED checks during routine interactions, facilitating rapid identification and removal of unauthorised individuals.
- Streamline immigration offence hearings in Magistratesâ Courts. New legislation should be clear enough to allow Magistrates to confirm illegal entry was made through lack of PED registration and border officialsâ testimony, allowing quick and âbulkâ convictions.
Implementation Requirements:
- Legislate the âImmigration Enforcement Actâ to establish biometric registration, PED, lifetime entry bans, lifetime benefit bans, and asset seizure protocols.
- Equip all ports of entry (including migrant processing centres) with biometric technology and integrate PED with police and Border Force systems for real-time access.
- Train law enforcement to conduct PED checks and process deportations efficiently.
Legal Adjustments:
- Assumes withdrawal from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and repeal of the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA).
- Amend the Immigration Act 1971 to define illegal entry as an offence with automatic deportation and lifetime bans.
- Update the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to include asset forfeiture for immigration violations.
Projected Impact:
- Immediate reduction in illegal border crossings as biometric checks and deportation risks deter attempts.
- Enhanced public confidence in border security, with asset seizures funding enforcement without additional taxpayer burden.
- Long-term decrease in unauthorised residency as lifetime bans and benefit exclusions take effect.
Benefits:
- Strengthens immigration control, protecting national sovereignty and resources.
- Funds Border Force through seized assets, reducing fiscal pressure.
- Provides police with efficient tools to address illegal presence.
Challenges:
- Initial costs of biometric infrastructure, offset by asset forfeiture revenue.
- Potential diplomatic tensions from lifetime bans, manageable through clear policy communication.
Rationale: By enforcing biometric registration and severe penalties for illegal entry, the SBICI ensures that only authorised individuals enter and remain in the UK, safeguarding taxpayer-funded systems and reinforcing border integrity.
