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The Immigration Act 1971 is the foundational statute governing immigration control in the United Kingdom. It establishes the framework of 'leave to enter' and 'leave to remain', provides for the making of Immigration Rules, and sets out powers of deportation and removal.
Pwyntiau allweddol
- Right of abode: British citizens have the right to live in and come and go freely from the UK (s.1)
- All others require leave to enter or remain (s.3)
- Immigration Rules made by the Home Secretary set out the requirements for leave (s.3(2))
- Power to deport persons whose deportation is conducive to the public good (s.3(5))
- Illegal entry and overstaying are criminal offences (s.24)
- Powers of examination and removal (Schedule 2)
- Appeals against immigration decisions (now governed by later Acts)
Rhannau ac adrannau
Hanes diwygiadau
2014 — Immigration Act 2014
Introduced 'right to rent' checks, reduced appeal rights, and expanded removal powers.
2016 — Immigration Act 2016
Created the offence of illegal working, expanded 'deport first, appeal later' provisions.