Between the Lines: Immigration to the UK between the Referendum and Brexit

Abstract

This paper analyses the impact that the Brexit referendum and Brexit process has had on migration policies and trends in the UK and in Europe, as well as the impact on EU citizens in the UK. After an introduction covering the interaction of Brexit and immigration, the paper describes the issues relating to EU citizens in the UK and analyses recent migration trends. Section 5 then discusses public opinion with respect to migration, and section 6 analyses the “points-based” immigration system introduced by the UK government at the end of the Brexit transition. Finally, the conclusion discusses future policy issues in the light of both Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: Brexit, immigration, EU Referendum, migration trend, new system