Engelsk
27 februar 2024
HEG
Am I British
1.18 million people have migrated to the United Kingdom in the span of a year, between
June of 2022 and 2023, with 508 thousand emigrating away, which leaves a net
migration of 672 thousand people, with a majority having to go through the English
migration system. At this scale and time, you would think that the system is fair, but a
documentary has set out to showcase the problems that immigrants face when trying to
migrate into the United Kingdom, directed by Joseph McAuley and released in the year
of 2019. The film follows Greg McKenzie who meets young people born or brought up in
the United Kingdom who share their troubling experiences with the Home Office
migration policy, treating them like second-class citizens, these citizens have and are
going through issues such as being unable to claim benefits, some struggle to go to
university and a portion of them may even face deportation due to them not getting
citizenship when they were younger. The narratives showcase personal struggles,
institutional issues, and the human impact that the system has had on these
immigrants.
The programme appeals to the viewers through pathos, engaging the viewers in an
emotional journey of troubling experiences being told by the immigrants such as the
characters Maharaj Ahmed, Ijeoma Moore and Chrisann Jarrett. Every immigrant’s story
adds a unique layer to the narrative of the challenges that are faced by the migrants.
Maharaj Ahmed, an 18-year-old pursuing the dream of becoming a doctor, moved to the
United Kingdom at the age of 5 from Bangladesh, and his journey reflects the resilience
and determination vital for young immigrants striving to build a future in the new land of
the UK. Maharaj's experiences highlight not only the financial burdens but also the
personal sacrifices made in pursuit of a better life. His story unravels as a bitter and
painful example of the hurdles faced by those that, despite spending most of their lives
in the United Kingdom, combatting with issues such as not being able to join medical
school due to his residential status. Through Maharaj's perspective, the viewer gains
insight into the interplay of personal endeavours and systemic barriers faced by
immigrants in the United Kingdom. A recurring theme that ties these narratives together
is the financial burdens faced by all these immigrants, which comes because of the
Nicolai Bernhard Christensen
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Engelsk
27 februar 2024
HEG
consequence of the high cost of residing in the United Kingdom as migrants without
citizenship. The reason behind this documentary being produced is to show the British
population the horrid and unfair conditions the immigrants of the United Kingdom must
go through, and to hopefully have an impact on the politics to improve the immigration
system.
Nicolai Bernhard Christensen
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