A mother and child from behind looking out of a window

Hidden hardships: The immigration system and child poverty

Article

Child poverty remains a persistent and deeply rooted issue in the UK. 

In 2022/23 it was estimated that 4.3 million children live in relative poverty, and this number has risen in recent years. 

Among those disproportionately impacted are children from migrant families, a group often overlooked in public and policy debates. In 2022, migrants made up around a third of children in destitution. 

In this research we explore the unique barriers to escaping poverty while navigating the immigration system, and the enduring impact of immigration policies on children's lives. A fair and effective child poverty strategy must confront these issues to ensure that no child – regardless of their background – is left behind.

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