Still chasing status: Young migrants address parliamentarians on barriers to integration
On 23rd February 2026, We Belong will host a landmark event in Westminster to address the impact of the government proposals that threaten integration and risk stripping away the hard-won settlement rights of thousands of young people who have grown up in the UK.
Since 2025, the UK has witnessed an unprecedented increase in anti-migrant rhetoric and policies proposed by multiple political parties, including Labour's plans for an 'Earned Settlement' scheme.
We Belong's event will be a chance to hear directly from young migrants about the impact on their lives, and their fears and hopes for the future. Taking place just days after the Home Office’s consultation on 'Earned Settlement' closes, this is a critical moment to speak up for stability and fairness.
Chrisann Jarrett, CEO of We Belong, said:
"We have spent the past year listening to our community and collaborating on practical solutions to strengthen integration. This event is a chance for MPs to hear the reality behind the harmful political rhetoric. Young people who are British in all but paperwork deserve certainty and fairness; instead of being constantly forced prove that they are deserving of their place in the country they call home.'
In particular, Labour's proposals threaten to turn back the clock, undoing the progress towards greater integration secured by a 2022 policy change which gave young migrants with strong ties to the UK a shorter, more certain path to settlement.
The change was made after detailed consideration by the Home Office, and hearing the experiences of our members. It has already transformed many young lives and prospects.
Dishita, 24, who came to the UK age 5, and works with tech start-ups, told us she no longer has to fear being 'let go from jobs for not having a British passport'. 'Now I can work for companies that I couldn't have before.'
Adeola, 27, who came to the UK age 7, and is an investment analyst, says being able to secure settlement is 'a genuine joy' which 'confirms what I feel inside. The UK is my home'. Freed from making constant Home Office renewals: 'I can really start my life, and my future is all set.'
Event details and how you can support young migrants
The event, "Our Voices At The Forefront," takes place just days after the close of the Home Office’s consultation. With the Home Affairs Select Committee and the House of Lords currently scrutinising the impact of these changes on migrant households and integration, We Belong is demanding that the voices of young migrants be at the forefront of these life-altering decisions.
Event Details:
- Date: 23rd February 2026
- Time: 6:00 PM
- Location: Portcullis House, Atlee Suite, 1 Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JR
- Host: Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP (Labour) with cross-party support.
A Call to Action for MPs and the Community
The evening will feature a live panel discussion with young people, parents and invited speakers. They will speak directly on how hostile policies, spiralling Home Office fees, and the "moving of the goalposts" on settlement have hampered their educational and career opportunities and their ability to integrate into the only country they call home.
We Belong is calling on all supporters to invite their MPs to attend using the free template available on our 'Get Involved' page. This is the critical moment to build traction, engage elected officials, and garner the cross-party support needed to revert these dangerous policies.
Show your support by attending our parliamentary event and please share this on social media and with your networks!
