Why this petition matters

As a migrant who has personally experienced the challenges and triumphs of building a new life in the UK, I am deeply concerned about the negative language used by our government, media, and politicians when addressing migrants. The phrases commonly employed such as "Refugee Crisis," "Migration Crisis", "Illegal Migration," and "Illegal Migrants" carry an inherently negative connotation that perpetuates fear, crime, and insecurity. This petition aims to advocate for a change in language to foster inclusivity and promote a more harmonious society.

 Through my work with people from migrant backgrounds, I have witnessed first-hand how language can either bridge gaps or create barriers to integration. In my recently published fellowship report I explain that in countries like Canada, unlike the UK, the friendlier terms ‘newcomers’ or ‘new Canadians’ are used – and used consistently. The term can be found wherever immigration issues are discussed, including on the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the federal agency dealing with such matters, which hosts a page titled “Newcomer Services.” For most of the organizations that use the term, the point is that it is broadly inclusive, embracing immigrants, refugees, asylum-seekers and sometimes even foreign students, many of whom remain in the country after completing their studies. 

Language plays a vital role in shaping public opinion and influencing societal attitudes towards migrants. By using terminology that focuses on crisis or illegality, we inadvertently perpetuate stereotypes that marginalize these individuals instead of recognizing their potential contributions to our society. The terminology used today is confusing, stigmatising, and can act as a major barrier to community cohesion and inclusion.

It is crucial for us as citizens of this great nation to demand change from our government representatives. We must urge them to adopt inclusive language when discussing migration issues so that we can build bridges rather than walls within our communities.

To support this petition's call for change, let us consider some relevant facts:

1) According to research conducted by Oxford University's Migration Observatory (2019), there is no evidence suggesting that migrants are more likely than native-born individuals to commit crimes.
2) The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reports that over 80% of refugees worldwide are hosted by developing countries rather than wealthier nations like ours.
3) A study published in the International Migration Review (2018) found that migrants contribute significantly to the UK economy, with their net fiscal contribution being positive over a 10-year period.

By highlighting these facts and challenging the negative language used, we can reshape public discourse surrounding migration. Let us foster empathy, understanding, and unity by advocating for a change in language that reflects the true potential of migrants and promotes integration within our society.

Sign this petition to demand that our government officials, media outlets, and politicians adopt an inclusive language.

Remember: Change starts with words. Let's change the narrative together!