Joint event calls for Jewish action on refugee citizenship ban

An event jointly hosted by HIAS+JCORE and Rene Cassin has explored how the Jewish community can stand against the UK’s refugee citizenship ban.

Held on October 9, the online ‘Citizenship, refugees, and legacy’ lunch and learn session discussed the Home Office policy change introduced in February 2025, which effectively blocks anyone who enters the UK irregularly from ever becoming a British citizen.

We were delighted to be joined by an expert group of speakers for the webinar. Our audience heard from Madeline, who shared her own personal experiences, Rabbi David Mason (Executive Director, HIAS+JCORE), Mia Hasenson-Gross (Executive Director, Rene Cassin), Zoe Bantleman (Legal Director of the Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA)), and the Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani (Bishop of Chelmsford).

Event attendees heard about how this change will personally affect refugees and their rights, the barriers it prevents to integration and cohesion, and practical ways to take acton.

The session took place shortly before a key Committee Stage debate on the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill in the House of Lords on 13 October.

Among amendments being considered is one placed by Bishop Guli, which would ensure that the Good Character guidance – the criteria for obtaining British citizenship – is not applied in a way that contravenes the UK’s obligations under international law. This amendment would also prevent the guidance being applied to people aged under 18 when they entered this country.

Click below to watch the full recording and to learn more.