Child first, migrant second

The growing tension between family law, policy and practice and immigration law, policy and practice is closely associated with the politicisation of asylum and immigration policy and the growing use of the welfare state as a tool for controlling immigration. The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of recent changes in asylum and immigration law and practice on children subject to immigration control within the context of the Every Child Matters framework and provide concrete recommendations. It focuses on the experiences of four groups:

• Separated asylum seeking children
• Children in families
• Trafficked children and young people
• Privately fostered children

Published in February 2006

Download the document from the Immigration Law Practioners' Assocation (ILPA) website