The referendum debate has ignited a sense of unease among EU nationals living in the UK, with one migrant academic questioning whether she still wants to call Britain home. For 18 years, she has been an integral part of the country's higher education sector, yet now fears that her future is uncertain due to the increasingly hostile atmosphere towards immigrants.
Having arrived in 1998 to pursue a PhD, this academic has built a distinguished career, teaching thousands of students, conducting extensive research, and holding senior administrative roles. Her experience within British academia has been largely free from prejudice, allowing her to thrive professionally. However, she notes that the UK's openness to international talent is not just an asset for individual academics but also crucial for the country's academic standing and global reputation.
Statistics suggest that approximately 15 per cent of staff at British universities are EU nationals, a figure that underscores their significant contribution to the sector. A 'Leave' vote could diminish the UK's attractiveness not only for EU citizens but also for leading academics worldwide, many of whom chose Britain due to its access to the EU and the opportunities it provided.
Despite her initial love for Britain, the academic now feels a sense of unease and disillusionment with the country she once called home. She believes that migrants are being unfairly blamed for societal problems and points out that issues such as public service strain and wage stagnation have roots in chronic underinvestment and poor planning rather than immigration itself.
Reports of intimidation and threats against campaigners and immigrants have also raised concerns about the impact of the referendum campaign on migrant communities. The academic recounts being told she is a 'useful' foreigner, highlighting the distinction made between different groups of migrants. She expresses apprehension that even if the UK votes to 'Remain', the forces unleashed by the campaign may be difficult to control.