Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims to contest the assumption that those seeking asylum in Britain face few challenges. It argues that rather than mitigating harm or alleviating the impacts of previous harms, such as physical or sexual violence, domestic abuse or torture, the complexities of the asylum process and the time that is spent in it can actually exacerbate physical and mental health problems. The book focuses specifically on Britain rather than the United Kingdom for two reasons: first, because this research has been based primarily in England and although there are regional policy differences between England, Wales and Scotland, the legal landscape is predominantly centralised to Westminster. It highlights the social and legal obstacles that people face on claiming asylum, and is concerned with the increased illegalisation of asylum and the impacts that punitive policies can have on immigrant groups.