Overview: Our presentation builds on Rachel’s doctoral ethnographic research on the impact of restrictive immigration and citizenship policy on racially minoritised mothers in a London neighbourhood. This is an important yet under-researched issue, given the increasing numbers of mothers resident in the UK who are subjected to insecure immigration status and ‘no recourse to public funds’ (NRPF). The government’s ‘hostile environment’ policy reduces access to healthcare provision and other public services, denies access to mainstream welfare support and withholds long-term residency rights. Many mothers resident in the UK for years have been denied any residency rights and are not allowed to work. We show how this policy restricts women’s choices about becoming a mother, and constrains mothers’ capacity to provide for their children. Furthermore, we argue that whilst becoming a mother provides opportunities for developing friendships and other kinds of connections (which can create belonging and be an important source of support), on the other hand the tensions resulting from insecure immigration status affect friendships, limit access to support and can lead to anxiety, isolation and low wellbeing.

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Content warnings: living with NRPF/destitution, and this may include references to experiences of domestic abuse.

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Keywords: mothering, hostile environment, migration, NRPF, insecure immigration status.

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