What exactly is a British citizen?
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The Windrush scandal has thrown a light on what it means to be a British citizen and the various other states of settlement some residents have.
By Serina Sandhu
Contrary to popular belief, you are not automatically a British citizen just because you’re born in the UK.
Having a British passport doesn’t mean you’re a citizen either. British citizens, overseas territories citizens, overseas citizens, subjects, nationals (overseas) and protected persons can all apply for a passport.
British citizenship is a complicated process and relies on a number of multilayered factors.
What does it mean to have British citizenship?
To have British citizenship means you can live and work in the UK free of any immigration controls and participate in political life, such as voting in elections.
There are various other states of residency including right to abode, limited leave to remain (such as being here on a visa) and indefinite leave to remain, which is just short of citizenship. This is what the...
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