In August this year, the UK and France began their trial of a One In, One Out Policy regarding migrants. While the current UK government champions this mandate as a way to tackle illegal immigration and assist more vulnerable populations, currently there is no plan in place to ensure those protections.
In this article, we will be examining the terms of the deal and the implications this has for immigration to the UK, the societal treatment of migrants, and the effect this policy can have on the lives and integration of migrants into the UK.
Policy Overview
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The current mandate, in effect as of August this year, deals with illegal immigration from France to the UK. As per this mandate, any immigrants who are caught going from France to the UK will be deported within 14 days of their claim being denied, and the UK will accept the same number of immigrants from France who have applied legally and fulfill other criteria.
Yvette Cooper, in her then position as Home Secretary for the UK, said in a letter that this initiative aims to dismantle smuggling operations. Smugglers can often extort large amounts of money from desperate migrants, and their methods of smuggling can be dangerous, unreliable and even contribute to human trafficking. The policy specifically targets immigration across the English channel, aiming to shut down smuggling via small boats.
A catch of this policy is that the UK considers France a safe third country and can automatically deem asylum claims from migrants from France as inadmissible. With only a 14-day period from asylum claim denial to deportation, and limited access or knowledge of legal resources, this will make it virtually impossible for anyone coming from France to have their claim properly considered.
Human Impact
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While the Home Office said this initiative is primarily aimed to increase border security and fight smuggling operations, there is no plan currently in place to protect the most desperate and vulnerable immigrant populations.
Legal difficulties exist not just for the migrants who are deported out via this deal, but also for those who are accepted in. In order for a migrant to be eligible to be accepted to the UK under this policy, they are required to pass background checks that include proof of identification, such as a passport, and submitting a recent photograph. These may be insurmountable obstacles for refugees from war-torn regions or those fleeing the effects of devastating famines or other natural disasters. To hinge someone’s eligibility for asylum on meeting these requirements may violate Article 14 of the UDHR, which grants the right to seek asylum, because it does not consider their actual claims to asylum and immediately dismisses what could be an absolutely critical and legitimate case for entry. What is being presented as a fair and just deal targeting smuggling operations will end up preventing people from accessing refugee status in the UK.
Legal Limbo
Yvette Cooper, current Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for the UK. Source: Steve Eason
This deal is currently only in its trial phase until next year, and under its current limitations the cap is 50 people returned to France each week. At the beginning of August this year, more than 25,000 people had already arrived in the UK by crossing the English Channel in a small boat. As the UK hits its limit of deportees every week, another issue arises: what to do with those who are not returned to France.
For these individuals, their claim to asylum will likely still be denied. However, they will have to wait in detention centers for months while they are being processed. There are not many return agreements with other countries, so the UK has very few options for where to send these immigrants. Slow processes to attempt to return immigrants will result in long wait periods in detention centers, followed by even longer waiting periods in legal limbo if they’re released into communities.
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Ultimately, this new mandate will impede people’s freedom of movement, deny what could be strong and legitimate claims for asylum, and create further obstacles for people seeking refuge from war-torn or dangerous regions. It is not a solution to the immigration problem, but it is the introduction of more hurdles that would-be immigrants must overcome as they seek inclusion in society, secure living and cultural acceptance.
A group of logos of Historically Black College & University teams. Source: Yahoo Image
According to the United States Department of Education and Agriculture, sixteen states have underfunded their state’s land-grant, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), by more than $13 billion over the last thirty years. A land grant college or university is an institution designated by the state legislature to receive benefits under the Morrill Acts of 1890 and 1994. The act’s passing was to ensure that higher education would be accessible to all and not only wealthy individuals, being that before 1892, many of the United States institutes for Higher Education were privately funded and selective of who they allowed. It gave states the power to sell federal land to establish Public Institutions.
If HBCUs do not receive equitable funding, it can perpetuate inequities in educational outcomes and opportunities for underrepresented minority students. Understanding the history of HBCUs is essential to appreciate the significance of addressing underfunding. Many of these institutions were founded to address historical injustices, and chronic underfunding perpetuates these disparities, reinforcing the notion that Black students deserve fewer resources and opportunities than their white counterparts.
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The History of HBCUs
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have a rich history of providing education to Black men and women in the United States. They emerged in the early 19th century, with institutions like Cheyney University of Pennsylvania in 1836 and Lincoln University in 1854 initially focusing on teacher training. Over time, these institutions broadened their curricula and became vital education centers for Black individuals, offering various academic programs.
During the Jim Crow era, which lasted from the late 19th century into the mid-20th century, racial segregation laws enforced strict separation of Black and White individuals in public facilities, including schools. Predominantly white institutions were often closed to Black students, and even if they were nominally open, they were often unwelcoming and discriminatory. HBCUs filled this void by providing Black students access to higher education when other options were limited or nonexistent. These institutions offered a safe and nurturing environment where Black individuals could pursue education and intellectual growth. However, these institutions have faced persistent challenges, including funding disparities that hinder their mission of providing equitable education. State funding policies that allocate resources to public higher education institutions are at the heart of these disparities.
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Addressing the Disparities
In the letters sent to the governors of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The Department of Education highlights the importance of HBCUs. The underinvestment of these institutions should be addressed, given that these institutions generate close to $15 billion and have considerable impacts on the predominantly black communities they serve.
The letter addressed to Governor Kay Ivey of Alabama, the Department of Education highlights the stark contrast between Alabama A&M University, the state’s first land-grant institution for African Americans, and Auburn University, the state’s first original land-grant institution, noting the differences in infrastructure and researching which Miguel Cardona, U.S Secretary of Education talks on saying that “Unacceptable funding inequities have forced many of our nation’s distinguished Historically Black Colleges and Universities to operate with inadequate resources and delay critical investments in everything from campus infrastructure to research and development to student support services.”
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, HBCUs have seen a massive enrollment increase despite a national decrease in college enrollments. During an interview with PBS News Hour, the President of Spelman College, an HBCU all-women’s college, Dr. Helene Gayle, attributed the increase in enrollment to an entire generation of young African Americans who have witnessed historic events. The inauguration of the first Black President of the United States, and the rise of movements such as Black Lives Matter and numerous instances of social injustice have motivated and encouraged young people to seek higher education in environments where they are surrounded by their community.
The increase in enrollment has caused some issues for many HBCUS, one being the need for more housing spaces to accommodate the influx of students. Tennessee State University has the most known case, with the university having to rent out five hotels for the 2022-2023 academic year. This has caused the Tennessee State Comptroller to come in and audit the University and their financial practices. Their report found that TSU had a “lack of planning, management, and sound decision-making.” TSU’s financial decisions play a part in the case. Still, one cannot deny that Tennessee underfunding Tennessee State University $2,147,784,704, the most of any other state, plays a role in their shortcomings. The University of Tennessee, the state’s original land grant-funded institution, has sixteen housing halls in Comparison to Tennessee State’s eight housing halls, including one that just opened in August of 2022.
A white building with a star and a blue graduation cap. Source: U.S Department of Education
Why HBCUs Matter
HBCUs have a rich history of contributing to research and innovation, often focusing on underrepresented areas in mainstream academia. Unfortunately, underfunding hampers their ability to invest in research projects, labs, and faculty development, affecting their capacity to compete for research grants and produce groundbreaking work. This lack of funding also hurts equity by limiting the contributions of Black professionals and academics in research, innovation, and industries like STEM.
Adequate funding is crucial for maintaining high educational standards, hiring qualified faculty, and offering up-to-date resources and facilities. When HBCUs receive less funding, it can lead to overcrowded classrooms, outdated technology, and limited course offerings. The disparity in educational quality can perpetuate inequities, particularly in the context of historically Black colleges and universities.
HBCUs have historically served as a pathway to higher education for Black students who were often excluded from predominantly white institutions due to racial segregation and discrimination. Inadequate funding can restrict their capacity to enroll and support students, limiting access to quality education. This impacts equity, making it harder for Black students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, to pursue higher education and achieve social mobility.
Underfunded HBCUs may receive a different education and preparation for future opportunities than students at well-funded institutions. Therefore, providing adequate funding to HBCUs is essential for promoting equity and ensuring Black students have access to quality education and opportunities.
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Support HBCUs
Growing up, I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by the pride and tradition of HBCUs. Being a native of Birmingham, Alabama, I have had the pleasure of experiencing the biggest HBCU football game, The Magic City Classic, every year. The way the community comes together to support their teams, regardless of the weather, is truly a unique and unforgettable experience.
Funding HBCUs appropriately not only demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and solidarity with marginalized communities. These institutions are essential to a more just and prosperous future for all, as they continue to play a vital role in American education and culture. By recognizing the pivotal role of state funding policies, we can work towards a more equitable future where HBCUs receive the resources they need to provide quality education and continue their legacy of empowerment and opportunity. Public policy decisions at the state and federal levels directly impact HBCUs funding, support, and overall well-being. Advocacy, engagement with policymakers, and developing equitable policies are essential to addressing funding disparities and promoting equity in higher education for HBCUs.
Here is the list of every federal government-recognized HBCU in the United States. If there is one close to you, I encourage you to support one in any way you can, whether going to a sporting event or donating.
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.
