Shabana Mahmood has barely softened her plans – Britain’s immigration regime is now a theatre of cruelty | Owen Jones

The home secretary’s reforms merely reinforce the lie that migrants are to blame for all of the UK’s problems

Five years ago, Shabana Mahmood called for a “general amnesty” for undocumented migrants. “That’s not official Labour party policy yet,” she mourned, “but myself and a group of other Labour MPs are continuing to make the argument.”

Now home secretary, she is introducing one of Europe’s most punitive immigration and asylum systems. The standard qualifying period for migrant workers to gain secure residence will double to 10 years, which will be twice the length set out in almost all EU countries. The standard wait for refugees who claim asylum in Britain outside designated resettlement routes will be 20 years, four times the usual five-year qualifying period in Germany, Spain and Italy.

Owen Jones is a Guardian columnist

Owen Jones is a Guardian columnist. His latest book is The Fall of the West: How They Really Lost It (Penguin Books, £25). To support the Guardian, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply.

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