1. Details of the Report and the Warning
The warning about "millions" originated from an analysis that found a large segment of the population is legally vulnerable to having their citizenship revoked.
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The Estimated Figure (The "Millions"):
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Analysis by the New Statesman (December 2021) estimated that nearly six million people in England and Wales could be eligible for deprivation of citizenship.
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This vulnerability applies to any British citizen who is, or is considered to be, eligible for citizenship in another country (e.g., through birthright or descent).
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The Disproportionate Impact on Muslims:
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Reports argue that the powers are implemented almost exclusively against British Muslims, particularly those of South Asian, Middle Eastern, or North African heritage.
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The Muslim Census noted that while Muslims are approximately 5 percent of the UK population, they represent over a quarter of the 5.6 million people identified as potentially eligible for citizenship deprivation.
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The key criticism is that these laws create a two-tiered system of citizenship, where citizens of minority ethnic backgrounds have a "second-class, disposable, contingent citizenship."
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2. The Legislation (The Cause)
The primary concern is the Home Secretary's power under Section 40 of the British Nationality Act 1981, which allows citizenship to be stripped if it is deemed "conducive to the public good."
The controversy intensified with the passage of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, which made two key changes:
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Removal of the Notice Requirement: The Act allows the Home Secretary to make a deprivation order without giving prior written notice to the individual in "exceptional circumstances."
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Latest Legal Change (October 2025): The Deprivation of Citizenship Orders (Effect during Appeal) Act 2025 was passed. This law means that if a person who was stripped of their citizenship successfully wins an initial appeal, their British citizenship is no longer automatically reinstated if the government intends to pursue further appeals.
💥 Consequences of UK Citizenship Deprivation Powers
The extended powers under the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 have far-reaching consequences, particularly for minority communities:
1. "Second-Class" Citizenship Status
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Detail: Critics argue the legislation signals that minority citizens are not considered "true" citizens in the same way as those with only British nationality.
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Impact: Reduces their citizenship to a privilege that can be revoked rather than an absolute right, fundamentally altering their legal standing.
2. Risk of Exile and Difficulty of Appeal
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Detail: Deprivation orders are often served when individuals are overseas.
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Impact: This effectively exiles them and makes it extremely difficult to access legal aid, contest the decision, or return to the UK for their appeal hearing.
3. Mental and Community Impact
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Detail: The persistent, existential threat of losing citizenship has an immediate effect on vulnerable communities.
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Impact: It has been linked to increased fear, anxiety, a feeling of alienation, and prompting some individuals to consider leaving the country.
4. Legal Precedent (The 2025 Act)
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Detail: The Deprivation of Citizenship Orders (Effect during Appeal) Act 2025 states that a citizen's status is not automatically restored, even if they win their initial appeal.
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Impact: The individual's life remains in limbo. They can be detained or barred from re-entry while the Home Office pursues further legal challenges, extending the period of legal uncertainty.
