UK’s Immigration Pledges Face Reality Check

On December 4th, 2023, UK Home Secretary James Cleverly outlined a “five-point plan” to reduce legal migration by 300,000 through tighter rules, impacting dependants, income thresholds, and job sponsorships. These changes, amidst Rishi Sunak’s pledge to reduce immigration, faced criticism for potentially exacerbating worker shortages and harming economic growth, as well as raising human rights concerns. The divisive plan and the scrutinized Rwanda Scheme indicate the Conservatives’ struggle to balance electoral promises with practical policy delivery.