IMMIGRATION rule changes blocking refugees from gaining citizenship are counterproductive and a dark moment in British history, campaigners warned today.

Under the updated Home Office “good character” guidance which took effect on Monday, applicants who entered Britain illegally will “normally” be refused citizenship, regardless of how long they have lived here.

The new rules specifically target those who arrived via dangerous routes, stating: “A person who applies for citizenship from February 10 2025 who has previously arrived without a required valid entry clearance or electronic travel authorisation, having made a dangerous journey, will normally be refused citizenship.”

A dangerous journey, the guidance adds, includes but is not limited to travelling by small boat or being concealed in a vehicle.

The change comes as Labour’s new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which scraps the previous Tory government’s Rwanda plan, passed its first hurdle in the Commons on Monday.

The Bill includes new criminal offences and grants counter-terror-style powers to police and enforcement agencies in a bid to crack down on people-smuggling gangs in the Channel.

Walthamstow Labour MP Stella Creasy said today that she voted for the legislation because repealing the Rwanda legislation is important, but added that the change to the Home Office guidance “was not part of that process.”

She told BBC Radio 4: “I think this change is counterproductive to the message that we want to send about being proud of our country and the role that it has played in supporting those fleeing persecution.

“This is not about whether we offer these people refuge, these people … can stay here already.

“This is about people who are here, who are part of our communities.

“I was incredibly proud over the last couple of months to work with one of my neighbours, a young man who fled Syria, who is now making a life here, has just got his degree, is contributing to our society, and has now got British citizenship. This process would deny that.”

Kolbassia Haousso from Freedom From Torture urged the government to reconsider what he said was a decision deeply damaging to Britain’s moral and cultural fabric.

“Make no mistake, this is a dark moment in British history,” he said.

“If the government really follows through with blocking refugees from getting citizenship, the UK will be taking a huge step backwards.

“Everyone deserves the chance to settle and fully integrate into society.”

The Refugee Council estimates that 70,608 people already in Britain will now potentially be denied British citizenship, as well as further arrivals and people who have taken other dangerous journeys.

Chief executive Enver Solomon said the change “flies in the face of reason,” adding: “Becoming a British citizen has helped [refugees] give back to their communities and this should be celebrated, not prevented. We urge ministers to urgently reconsider.”

Care4Calais CEO Steve Smith called the decision “spiteful,” saying it punishes people granted protection from war, torture and persecution, for the government’s failure to offer safe routes to claim asylum.

“A person’s right to seek safety is not based on how they travel to the country they are seeking sanctuary in,” he said.

“A person’s right to asylum is based on the dangers they are escaping. It’s a basic principle that too many politicians are wilfully ignoring.

“In doing so, this disgraceful ban on citizenship is denying people security and a safe, permanent home.”

Julia Tinsley-Kent of the Migrant Rights Network condemned the expansion of the good character test, describing it as “unbelievably cruel.”

She said: “The very existence of a ‘good character’ test has been used to construct the image of the ‘good immigrant,’ which is shaped by racist and Islamophobic narratives that dictate who is seen to be worthy and deserving.

“The fact this has now been expanded to target people who came to the UK via so-called ‘dangerous journeys’ is a clear indication it is narrowing the pool of who can claim citizenship and attempting to punish people seeking safety.”

A Home Office spokesperson said the guidance “further strengthens” existing rules on “illegal” arrivals.