1. What Do We know and What Should We Do About Immigration by Jonathan Portes provides an analysis of immigration, addressing common misconceptions that must not go unchallenged. The book calls for evidence-based approaches to immigration policies that weigh both its benefits and challenges. It also reiterates the need to counter the prevalent narrative that migrants are a threat to economic stability and social cohesion with facts and stories that present a more balanced view.
  2. The Lightless Sky by Gulwali Passarlay. You should read this memoir. It is a poignant story of an Afghan Refugee Boy’s Journey of Escape to A New Life in Britain. Gulwali Passarlay’s story provides a personal perspective on the immense challenges faced by those seeking safety.
  3. Brit(ish) by Afua Hirsch.
Hirsch explores themes of race, identity, and immigration in the UK, using political and personal histories to present an in-depth look at what it means to belong in modern Britain.
  4. The Good Immigrant edited by Nikesh Shukla is a collection of essays exploring the lived experiences of persons of colour in Britain. The book is thought provoking and addresses the challenges and experiences of immigrants in the UK, reflecting on race, identity and belonging.
  5. The Ungrateful Refugee by Dina Nayeri is a memoir that blends personal stories with insights into the refugee experience. Nayeri, who escaped Iran as a child, delves into the hardship faced by asylum seekers, the loss of identity, and the expectations placed on refuges to show gratitude to their host nations. The book challenges readers to reconsider their views on refugees, highlighting their humanity, resilience, and the universal human desire for safety and a sense of belonging.
  6. The Truth About Modern Slavery by Emily Kenway. Everyone should be concerned about modern slavery because it is around us and operates right in front of us. This is a thought-provoking book that offers a critical and nuanced perspective that challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of exploitation, urging a shift towards a more comprehensive approach to addressing it.
  7. In Limbo: Brexit Testimonies from EU Citizens in the UK edited by Elena Remigi, Veronique Martin, and Tim Skyes. A compilation of testimonies from EU citizens in the UK that highlights the uncertainty and fear faced by immigrants post-Brexit.
  8. Trafficked: The Terrifying True Story of a British Girl Forced into the Sex Trade by Sophie Hayes. A harrowing first-hand account of a British woman’s experience, shedding light on how this issue exists within the UK.
  9. Asylum Speakers: Stories of Migration From the Humans Behind the Headlines by Jaz O'Hara. Based on the popular podcast, Asylum Speakers is a collection of 31 stories of migration, from those leaving everything they know behind them, to those working alongside them.