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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Diane Taylor

Planned change in British citizenship rules faces first legal challenge

The UK Border Force vessel comes through the harbour entrance; figures of people in yellow or orange jackets and life vests can be seen on board. The sea is dark grey but quite smooth.
The UK Border Force vessel Typhoon, carrying people picked up at sea attempting to cross the Channel, arrives in Dover, 9 February 2025. Photograph: Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images

Plans to prevent refugees who arrive in the UK on a small boat, lorry or via other “irregular” means from becoming a British citizen are facing their first legal challenge.

The challenge is being brought by a 21-year-old Afghan refugee who arrived in the UK aged 14, after fleeing the Taliban and being smuggled to Britain in the back of a lorry. He was granted refugee status and after five years was granted indefinite leave to remain. He was due to apply for British citizenship on 1 March.

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