United States-based Nigerian lawyer and immigration advocate, Dele Olawanle, has called for a more measured response to recent UK immigration policies, urging immigrants and commentators to remain calm and constructive in their engagements.
Speaking after his appearance on BBC World, Olawanle addressed reactions to his interview, particularly from those who felt he should have taken a more combative stance against the UK government’s position on immigration.
“Some people expected me to attack the government like we often see back home, but that’s not the right way to be heard,” he wrote on social media platform X. “You become a nuisance that way.”
Olawanle, who has lived in the UK for 35 years, drew on his personal experience to highlight the challenges faced by immigrants.
He recounted being detained for five weeks and nearly deported despite being married to a British citizen and fathering three British children. For eight years, he reported to the police regularly while battling repeated visa denials and appeals.
“I know the unfairness of the system. I know that there is modernized racism in the UK,” he said.
The immigration lawyer, known for his regular television appearances in the UK over the past two decades, emphasized that his long-standing advocacy has always focused on fair treatment for immigrants, even when many legal professionals were reluctant to speak out publicly.
Olawanle explained that during his BBC interview, his aim was to highlight the need for the UK government to manage immigration in a humane and fair manner while recognising the significant contributions immigrants make to the country’s economy.
“It seems immigrants are being hung out to dry,” he said, while also criticising the lack of vocal support from Black and Asian members of Parliament.
“They hardly speak out on behalf of immigrants but are often made to handle tough immigration roles in both ruling and opposition parties.”
He also pointed out that recent tough rhetoric on immigration from Prime Minister Keir Starmer came as a surprise, especially from a Labour Party leader, whom he described as traditionally supportive of immigrants.
According to him, Starmer’s stance may have been influenced by pressure from the right-wing Reform and Conservative parties, which he accused of promoting divisive, anti-immigrant narratives to win votes.
Olawanle urged UK political parties to shift focus from blaming immigrants to developing sound economic policies.
“What is the economic plan of the Reform and Conservative parties beyond immigration rhetoric?” he asked.
He further suggested that one way to address economic challenges is to encourage more British citizens who have been out of the workforce and reliant on benefits for years to take up employment.
“I know quite a number of Britons who earn more from benefits than those who are working,” he added.
Concluding his statement, Olawanle appealed for calm, both from his supporters and within the immigrant community.
“There’s no need to panic. The UK courts are competent and will strike down any unlawful immigration policy. It’s not all down to the government. The game is on,” he said.
