Asylum seekers living in the UK are identified as a vulnerable group in contemporary society. Empirical results from in-depth interviews are drawn upon in the paper to uncover the everyday experiences of asylum seekers. This material is then employed to engage critically with the concept of vulnerability. Three main themes specifically structure the discussion: the interstitial position of asylum seekers in the nation state is explored; the spatial manifestations of vulnerability are identified; and the responses of individuals to their vulnerable situation are highlighted. By drawing upon the specific example of this illustrative group, important theoretical implications for the understanding of vulnerability are proposed. These include the importance of time-space relative to vulnerable populations and the potential cumulative effect of vulnerability. Finally, questions are raised as to how researchers investigate and represent vulnerable populations
Western states are concerned about maintaining and securing national borders. Across Europe, one response has been to implement restrictive asylum regimes that prevent 'bogus' applicants and grant refuge only to the 'deserving'. Alongside these concerns, states are eager to encourage socially cohesive communities. One recent tool adopted by the UK government has been citizenship policy, including English language/life in the UK tests and citizenship ceremonies. By drawing upon in-depth interviews with refugees in Scotland (UK), this paper explores the impact of the current asylum regime and citizenship policies from the perspective of individual voices that are often absent from wider debates. It explores how temporary refugee status impacts upon individuals' everyday lives including employment and education, and impacts upon children. The data also question the reasons for refugees deciding to become British citizens (or not) and highlight instrumental reasons alongside less tangible factors such as gaining a sense of security. Taking the discussion forward, the study explores some unintended consequences of immigration and citizenship policies in the UK. The research suggests that not only do restrictive asylum policies negatively impact upon refugees and their integration but also serve to elevate fear and uncertainty, which can unintentionally spur individuals to seek naturalisation.
The population of English-born persons living in Scotland has risen rapidly since 1971. The dynamics of the group are theorised in this paper relative to the escalator region hypothesis, in terms of the role of professional and managerial staff linking global cities with lower-order urban centres within their hinterland. A hierarchical log-linear modelling approach is taken in explaining the highly structured geography of English migration to Scotland's four largest urban centres. Links between place of birth, recent mobility, social class and car ownership are explored. It is argued that service class migration by the English to Scottish cities is representative of a much wider process found in other countries where economic and political integration has stimulated parallel types of skilled migration from core to peripheral urban locations
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