New research into why asylum seekers come to the UK published

A new report which investigates the reasons why asylum seekers come to the UK was launched on January 14 by the Refugee Council in Westminster, London.

Among its main findings, the report shows the majority of asylum seekers have little choice over which country they claim asylum in, and that few are aware of what to expect before they arrive in the UK. The research, carried out by Professor Heaven Crawley, Director of Swansea University's Centre for Migration Policy Research, was commissioned by the Refugee Council and the report is entitled Chance or choice? Understanding why asylum seekers come to the UK.

A copy of the report can be downloaded below:

http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/Resources/Refugee%20Council/downloads/rcchance.pdf
See press release here

CMPR launches its e-newsletter

CMPR proudly launched its on-line newsletter in Dec 09. A pdf version of the newsletter may be viewed via the link below. If you would like to subscribe to future editions of the newsletter, please email migration@swansea.ac.uk.
cmpr newsletter-winter 09

'Ask the Expert' on International Migration

Professor Heaven Crawley, Director of Swansea University's Centre for Migration Policy Research, features as the latest commentator for the Royal Geographical Society’s (with the Institute for British Geographers) 'Ask the Expert' online service.

For further information or to post a question for Professor Crawley visit http://www.geographyinthenews.rgs.org/interviews/article/default.aspx?next=true.

See press release here

Launch of the Refugee Survey

The findings of the first ever survey of refugees living in Wales were launched at The Senedd, Cardiff Bay on 2nd November. The survey, which was undertaken by researchers based at CMPR in partnership with the Wales Strategic Migration Partnership, the Welsh Refugee Council and  the Welsh Assembly Government, provides information about refugee skills, experiences and barriers to inclusion.

PDF's  of the report can be downloaded below:

Refugees Living in Wales - English

Refugees Living in Wales - Welsh

Refugees Living in Wales - Exec Summary - English

Refugees Living in Wales - Exec Summary - Welsh

See press release here

Understanding and changing public attitudes

Understanding and Changing Public Attitudes is a review of public information and communication campaigns as they relate to immigration and, more specifically, to asylum and refugee issues. The review was undertaken for The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund to inform their work as part of the Refugee and Asylum Seekers Inistative.

In her research Professor Heaven Crawley, Director of Swansea University's Centre for Migration Policy Research, explores attitudes to asylum, the notion of a ‘campaign' and reflects on previous examples of how campaigns can lead to attitudinal change.

The report outlines eight key principles on campaigning which Professor Crawley believes, when incorporated in campaigns to influence attitudes towards asylum, will maximise the possibilities of success and reduce the potential for asylum and migration issues to be used in ways that are socially divisive.

The report can be downloaded here.

See press release here

UK Migration Controversies: A Simple Guide

Professor Heaven Crawley has produced a policy briefing for the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) entitled UK Migration Controversies: A Simple Guide. This policy briefing sets out the current state of geographic research evidence on migration and its impacts on UK economy and society. Responding to ten key arguments that are currently in circulation in the UK, the briefing sets out, in simple terms, where the weight of research evidence lies. Professor Crawley also presented the latest research evidence on migration and its impacts on UK and society in London on 20 May 2009 as part of the prestigious Royal Geographical Society City Lectures series.

See press release here

The situation of children in immigrant families living in the UK

Research into the situation of immigrant children living in the UK undertaken by Professor Heaven Crawley, Director of Swansea University's Centre for Migration Policy Research, has been published by UNICEF's Innocenti Research Centre in Florence, Italy. The study provides the first in-depth analysis of the circumstances of first and second generation children using the 2001 Census data. The report has been published as part of a series of working papers alongside a comparative study entitled Children in Immigrant Families in Eight Affluent Countries: their family, national and international context, which includes the findings of the UK case study and research from Australia, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United States. A PDF of the comparative study can be downloaded here: Unicef Overview report - children in rich countries  One of the key finding of the research is that many immigrant children and youth in the eight affluent countries are at disadvantage compared with the native children and youth. Professor Crawley met recently with officials from the UK Border Agency and Department for Children, Schools and Families to discuss the implications of the research for future research and policy development. 

A PDF of the UK case study can be downloaded here:  Innocenti working paper  

See press release here