My thoughts on a new report from the Royal College of Psychiatrists highlighting how the Government has the opportunity to reform the immigration system
I read a comprehensive and humanistic report today. I learned that from 2022 to 2024, immigration policies have changed rapidly. The report shows that the process isn’t just about crossing borders but battling a new form of limbo.
The uncertainty, the threat of detention, financial stress, and rejection by society can trigger or worsen mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Reading these firsthand accounts, I could almost feel the frustration, as if I were back in the consultation room, sitting across from patients whose eyes were begging for compassion.
One part of the report that stands out is the recommendation for trauma-informed care. When I worked in the healthcare system, I saw firsthand how vital it is to treat every person’s emotional wounds with the same urgency as their physical ones.
This is especially true for those seeking sanctuary — they have been through hell and back. We can’t let a broken immigration system deepen those scars.
The Royal College is calling on the new government to scrap harmful policies, such as the Rwanda legislation, which stripped sanctuary seekers of the chance to be appropriately assessed and treated for mental illness.
They also want to see mental health screening at the border and regular monitoring throughout the immigration process — because catching mental health issues early can save lives.
The message is immigration policy needs a human touch. Keeping people in limbo, without the right to work, only adds to their suffering.
However, letting them contribute to society could unlock incredible potential while restoring dignity. Dr. Lade Smith, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said, “A robust immigration policy can still be guided by human kindness.”
Reading this report made me think about all the missed opportunities in my career. If I had access to today’s resources, I could have reached more people, told more stories, and made a more significant impact.
But that’s the past, and now it is about passing the torch to others. I invite those of you in a position to make a difference — whether through government, healthcare or simply through your words — to take this moment seriously.
Here is the press release from the Royal College of Psychiatrists titled “The government has a unique opportunity to create a humane environment for those seeking asylum.”
Thank you for reading my thoughts.
My stories, of course, never include health or professional advice.
I am a retired healthcare scientist in his mid-70s, and I have several grandkids who keep me going and inspire me to write on this platform. I am also the chief editor of the Health and Science publication on Medium.com. As a giveback activity, I volunteered as an editor for Illumination publications, supporting many new writers. I will be happy to read, publish, and promote your stories. You may connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Quora, where I share stories I read. You may subscribe to my account to get my stories in your inbox when I post. You can also find my distilled content on Subtack: Health Science Research By Dr Mike Broadly.
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