A Short History of Immigration Law (Introductory)

Modules within this course..

1. Before immigration control

   This course begins by exploring the operation of common law. We look at 'subjects', 'aliens' and 'denizens', and the royal prerogative.

   • Introduction

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   • Subjects, aliens and denizens

     Start unit

   • Common law

     Start unit

   • Royal prerogative

     Start unit

2. Early immigration control of aliens

   This module covers the legislation introduced in the early-20th century and the effect this had on aliens.

   • Aliens Act 1905

     Start unit

   • Aliens Restriction Acts 1914 and 1919

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3. British subjects: 1948 to 1988

   This module looks at British subjects - the principal nationality status under the British Nationality Act 1948 - and the introduction of the term 'Commonwealth citizen'. We cover key immigration legislation introduced between 1948 and 1988 and the effect that this had on certain populations, such as East African Asians.

   • British Nationality Act 1948

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   • Commonwealth Immigrants Act 1962

     Start unit

   • Commonwealth Immigrants Act 1968

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   • Immigration Appeals Act 1969

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4. Unification of controls

   This module covers the Immigration Act 1971; effectively a consolidation of powers already conferred on the government by existing immigration legislation and the foundation of immigration control today. We look at the terms 'patrials' and 'right of abode', and consider the criminal offences arising from the unified regime.

   • Immigration Act 1971

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   • Patrials and the right of abode

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   • Unified regime

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   • Criminal offences

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   • Enforcement powers, detention and bail

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   • Citizenship registration rights

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   • Leave to remain

     Start unit

   • Transparency and accountability

     Start unit

   • Transition and impact

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5. The new citizenship

   This module covers the changes wrought by the British Nationality Act 1981 and the Immigration Act 1988. We look at who acquired and who did not acquire the new British citizenship status on 1 January 1983, the alternatives to British citizenship status (such as British Overseas Citizens and British Dependent (or Overseas) Territory Citizens) and the Windrush generation.

   • British Nationality Act 1981

     Start unit

   • British citizens

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   • British Dependent (or Overseas) Territory citizens

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   • British Overseas Citizens

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   • Other British nationals

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   • Immigration Act 1988

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6. Final quiz and feedback form

   In this final module, you can test what you have learnt in our Short History of Immigration Law quiz. As ever, we are grateful for any feedback you have - please complete the form in the final unit.

   • Final quiz

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   • Feedback form

     Start unit