Thousands of descendants of the Windrush generation whose parents were invited to live in Britain in the 1940s have been Living In Fear of deportation. A tightening of immigration controls by the then Home Secretary, Teresa May, back in 2012 has meant that many people from the West Indies have received letters from the home office threatening deportation. Asked to produce evidence of their British citizenship, they were stripped of their rights to work, claim benefits, and receive medical care free of charge. For the individuals affected, this has been a nightmare.

They have been living in fear, unsure of their status, despite the fact that many of them have been living and working in the UK for over 50 years.

Why has the Windrush generation been threatened with deportation and denied citizens' rights?

According to the Guardian, the home office didn't issue the Windrush generation with any paperwork. What's more, it has now transpired that a few years ago, the home office destroyed many records. Still, the Windrush generation was able to work and live in Britain without any restrictions right up until quite recently. However, when tighter immigration controls were introduced in 2012 by the then home secretary, Teresa May, the legal status of the Windrush generation was no longer clear.

In fact, people from the West Indies had to produce records proving their citizenship, which many of them were unable to do because they had never been issued with adequate paperwork by the Home Office in the first instance. Suddenly, they were no longer able to work, claim benefits, or obtain free medical services. Furthermore, the home office began sending out letters threatening deportation to anyone who was unable to provide proof of citizenship or of the right to residency.

For those affected, this has been a nightmare. Apart from living in fear of deportation, they have not been able to take up employment either. As a result, the Windrush generation has been living under unbearable pressure, and many have found it extremely difficult to cope. After these issues were highlighted in the media, the Prime Minister yesterday finally apologised and offered assurances to the Windrush generation.

David Lammy, Labour MP, blames Tory policy for the Windrush kids' plight

At the House of Commons, Labour MP, David Lammy, blasted Amber Rudd, laying the blame firmly on Tory policies. He also demanded to know just how many people from the Windrush generation have been deported. In response, Rudd admitted that no numbers were available to her, promising that she would make every effort to obtain the relevant figures. Lamm also denounced the apology as long overdue.

The nightmare may not be over yet, Windrush generation fears

Despite the assurances and apologies, many people from the Caribbean and West Indies still live in fear. According to a BBC report, many of them also wonder about people who've already been deported.

Ms. Wilson lived in fear of deportation for two years and spent one week at Yarl's Wood immigration removal centre. In her case, the intervention of a charity and her local MP stopped her deportation. Though Wilson welcomed Amber Rudd's apologies, she still wonders about people who were deported:"What about all the other people who were sent away before my case became big?"

The home office is now trying to reassure the Windrush generation, promising to help them establish their status in the UK.
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