The Making of an Immigration Judge

How do the immigration system and courts actually work? We need immigrants but is there effective immigration control? How are human rights applied in practice? What should be done about migrants?

These and many other questions and problems are dealt with in this fascinating, well written and amusing book. The author was a former President of the Council of Immigration Judges for the UK. He demonstrates his vast experience of this area of law and practice.

But how was this experience acquired? How did he become an immigration judge? In a fascinating and clearly written narrative spiced by hilarious anecdotes the author describes his first experience of the law in the Royal Courts of Justice then as a lawyer in the Lord Chancellor’s Department in the House of Lords, one of the select few advisers to the Lord Chancellor.

He provides a unique history of the negotiations with China over the Handover of Hong Kong to China when he was the UK Government’s legal adviser.

After return to the UK from Hong Kong in 1997 the author was appointed an Immigration Judge. He describes the nature of the cases with examples, the difference between an asylum seeker, a refugee and an economic migrant. The numerous ways in which applicants try to get into the UK is described: some genuine, some blatantly fraudulent.

He suggests a way ahead in dealing with migrants and enforcement of decisions. He poses the questions why immigration control at all. He sets out the special qualities required to be a judge.

Many of the cases are described including heartrending cases of family reunion.

This book is a must read for all those involved in immigration matters, including politicians, lawyers, academics and indeed all those affected by the European migration crisis.