ABSTRACT
This chapter begins by outlining the political and social context of seeking asylum in Britain. It describes the process of seeking asylum, simultaneously considering the flecks of problems that each step to gaining refugee status carries for those applying. To do this, it will contextualise the current challenges facing 'Fortress Europe' and outline Britain's increasingly punitive approach to border controls. In all it aims to highlight some of the key legislations which have facilitated the limitation of access to the asylum system itself over a period of time. The chapter offers a broad overview of the asylum system, processes of illegalisation, relevant legislation and welfare considerations. It looks to the highest nationalities seeking asylum in Britain to see that the one commonality among all is that their country of origin is in conflict or unrest. The chapter outlines the contemporary climate of asylum and immigration in Europe, and role of Britain in facilitating, exacerbating and responding to this.
