'We thought the Rwanda scheme was the worst of it': Enver Solomon on leading – and leaving – the Refugee Council

The article discusses the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, particularly under the new government policies. The author, Solomon, who works for the Refugee Council, shares his experiences and concerns about the impact of these policies on individuals and communities.

Solomon highlights several issues with the government's approach to refugees and asylum seekers, including:

1. **Lack of a fair process**: He argues that the current system is unfair and doesn't allow people to have their asylum claims heard in a timely manner.
2. **Inhumanity and dehumanization**: Solomon believes that the language used by some politicians and media outlets to describe refugees and asylum seekers perpetuates a racist narrative, treating them as "aliens" or "other".
3. **Security checks**: He is concerned about the introduction of security checks for people who have lived in the UK for over 60 months, which could lead to families being separated and individuals facing deportation.
4. **Immigration benefits**: Solomon disputes the common misconception that refugees are a burden on the state, pointing out that they are often skilled workers who contribute to the economy.

Solomon also shares his own personal experiences with the charity sector, including:

1. **Working in hostile environments**: He has witnessed firsthand the intense media scrutiny and public hostility towards asylum seekers and refugees.
2. **Staff safety concerns**: The Refugee Council has had to take security measures at its offices and Solomon's home due to threats from racist groups.

Despite these challenges, Solomon remains committed to his work and believes that there are still many people who will continue to fight for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. He reflects on the importance of maintaining a sense of shared humanity and treating individuals with dignity, regardless of their background or immigration status.

Overall, the article highlights the complex issues surrounding refugee and asylum policy in the UK and the personal toll it can take on those working in this field.
 
🤔👥💔 Dumbfoundered by people who think refugees are aliens 🛸🚀😂 and then I remember... they're actually just trying to survive like the rest of us 🌎💪 #RefugeeRights #HumanityMatters 👫
 
I'm still trying to wrap my head around the security checks for people who've been living in the UK for over 60 months 🤯. I mean, what's next? Are we gonna start questioning people's loyalty just because they've been here a long time? 🤔 It seems like a huge step backwards to me. And what about families? They're already stressed enough with their loved ones being separated or facing deportation. Do we really need to add more uncertainty to the mix? 🚨
 
I feel so bad for those people coming to our country looking for a safe place 🤕. It's like they're being treated as if they're some kind of invaders, you know? I've seen the news with politicians saying stuff about them being "aliens" and it just makes me want to scream 😡. And what's really scary is that it's happening to people who are trying to start a new life here. They're not even asking for much, just a fair chance to be heard.

I've also seen the impact on my friends who work with refugees, they're constantly worried about their safety and well-being. It's like they're living in fear all the time 😟. And it's not just them, it's the whole system that's broken. We need to find a way to make sure everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of where they come from.

I wish more people would understand that refugees are just human beings trying to survive 🤝. They're not monsters or terrorists, they're people who deserve our compassion and kindness. It's time for us to put ourselves in their shoes and try to see things from a different perspective 👣.
 
🤔 I'm really worried about the way refugees and asylum seekers are being treated in the UK right now... Like, have you seen how they're always talking about "taking back control" but what does that even mean? 🙄 It's like, we're supposed to be a country of immigrants or something. How do we expect people to feel safe if we're constantly making them feel like they don't belong here? 😕 And what's up with all these security checks? Like, I get it, safety is important but you can't just separate families and deport people without even hearing their side of the story... it's not right. 🤷‍♀️
 
🤔 the thing that really gets me is how some ppl think refugees r just a burden on society but then they forget that most of them r highly skilled workers who actually contribute to the economy 🤑 like, i get that we gotta keep borders safe and all but do we really need to make it so hard for people to even apply for asylum in the first place? 🤷‍♂️ it feels like the govts just wanna control the narrative and keep ppl divided on this issue 📰
 
😔 I'm really worried about the people who are going through this... being forced to live in limbo, not knowing if they'll ever be able to call a place like the UK home. 🌎 It's not just about numbers or stats, it's about human lives and families being torn apart. The idea that some politicians and media outlets can dehumanize people is just heartbreaking... we're all humans, regardless of where we come from or what our stories are. 😕 I feel so frustrated that the UK is losing its way on this issue, but at the same time, it's giving me hope to see people like Solomon standing up for what's right and fighting for a better future for everyone 🌟
 
I'm so worried about these new policies 🤕 they're really affecting people's lives, you know? Like Solomon says, the system is unfair and it's not fair to just push them around without hearing their stories. And honestly, some of the language used by politicians is just disgusting 😷, like treating refugees like they're not even human beings. I've seen my friends struggling to get the support they need, and it's just heartbreaking.

I know the security checks are meant to keep people safe, but what about families who have been together for years? 🤯 It's crazy that they could be torn apart like this. And it's not all bad news – I've seen some amazing work by charities and activists who are fighting for refugees' rights, but we need more of them, you know?

I think it's really important to remember that refugees are people too, with families and friends and hopes and dreams 🌟. We should be welcoming them with open arms, not sending them back in the dark. It's just so...humanitarian 😊.
 
man, its crazy to think that ppl are still being treated like dirt just cuz they're trying 2 escape a war zone or persecution 🤯. i feel 4 solomon, hes right, the process is so unfair and slow. & whats w/ the language? cant we just treat ppl with respect & kindness? instead of calling them "aliens" or making them out 2 be some kinda threat 🙄

i also get it, security checks r necessary but families getting separated & ppl being deported is just wrong 💔. & newsflash: refugees & asylum seekers r not all scammers or freeloaders! they're skilled workers who deserve a chance 2 rebuild their lives.

solomon's personal story is really eye-opening too 📚. it takes courage 2 speak out against racism & hostility, especially when its directed towards ppl who are already vulnerable. i hope more people w/ the power 2 make change listen 2 his concerns & start doing some real work 2 address these issues 💪
 
The new security checks are just another hurdle for ppl who've been living here for years 🤕. I mean, 60 months is a pretty long time, right? It's like they're saying "you're good enough to live here, but not good enough to stay". And what about the families? The kids who were born here, who have no connection to their parents' homeland? They get deported just because of some new policy 🚫. It's not right.
 
🤔 I feel so sorry for these people going through so much stress & anxiety trying to seek help & a new life in our country 🇬🇧. The way some ppl are talkin' about refugees is really hurtful & dehumanizin' 👥, it's like they're not even human beings 🙅‍♂️. I think we need to be more understanding & try 2 see things from their perspective 🤝. Solomon's story is so sad but also gives me hope that there r people still who care & want 2 make a difference ❤️. We should be grateful for those who r willin' 2 help & support them, not just talk about it in the media 📰.
 
man... the way they're treating refugees in the uk is just wow 😱. i mean, solomon's right, the process is so flawed, people are stuck in limbo for years, not knowing if they'll ever be able to stay or leave. and don't even get me started on the security checks, that's just cruel 🤬. families getting separated, ppl being deported... it's like, what's the point?

and have you seen some of the language ppl use when talking about refugees? "aliens", "other" - it's like they're not even human 🤖. and solomon's right, we need to be treating people with dignity, regardless of where they come from.

anyway, i'm so inspired by solomon's dedication to his work, he's still fighting the good fight 💪. let's hope more ppl start speaking out against these policies and demanding change 🗣️.
 
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