Another family prevented from rebuilding their lives by the Hostile Environment
2 May 2018
Priscilla O is a Glasgow care home worker, a mother of two, and another casualty of the UK’s hostile environment. Her case shows how immigration policy turns employers into border guards and pushes working families towards destitution through delay, fear, and bureaucratic indifference.
Priscilla has lived in the UK for more than a decade. After years waiting for her asylum case to be resolved, she was granted discretionary leave to remain in 2012 and again in 2015. She works, pays tax, and cares for elderly residents. Her daughter is a British citizen. Her son was born in Scotland. This is her home.
In March 2018, Priscilla applied for indefinite leave to remain and paid almost £2,300 in fees. The Home Office took the money but failed to issue a simple acknowledgement letter confirming her application. Four days after her previous leave expired, and despite clear evidence that she had reapplied, her employer suspended her without pay.
Within less than an hour, Priscilla was removed from her workplace, labelled “illegal”, and told she could not finish her shift. No meaningful checks were made. No time was allowed. Her lawyer explained that her status could be verified online, yet even after this process was started, the suspension stood. She was given an ultimatum. Produce Home Office paperwork by 4 May or lose her job entirely.
This is the hostile environment in action. A system designed to delay. Employers pressured to act punitively. Migrants punished for Home Office inaction. Families pushed to the edge while doing everything they are told to do.
Priscilla was left terrified about rent, bills, and feeding her children. She feared losing benefits. She went home in tears and had to explain to her children why she was suddenly there in the middle of the day.
After public pressure and social media coverage, the Home Office agreed to let Priscilla work for six months while her case is reviewed. This temporary concession does not undo the harm already caused.
We are calling on the Home Office and the Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, to grant Priscilla indefinite leave to remain and end the cruelty of a system that punishes people for its own failures.