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*Migration Histories > Caribbean > Journeys
* Immigration Legislation in Britain 
 
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Read about the reaction to the act in the Caribbean.
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Read about the reaction to the act in the Caribbean.
* Moving Here catalogue reference (PRO) DO 200/161
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Prior to the 1962 Commonwealth Immigrants Bill, Commonwealth citizens were allowed to enter Britain freely and usually made the journey by sea. The Colombie, a passenger liner on the Trans-Atlantic route.
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Prior to the 1962 Commonwealth Immigrants Bill, Commonwealth citizens were allowed to enter Britain freely and usually made the journey by sea. The Colombie, a passenger liner on the Trans-Atlantic route.
* Moving Here catalogue reference (NMM) P15801(4)B 1950-1964
Before 1962 there was an 'open door' tradition for Commonwealth Immigrants. In fact the British Nationality Act of 1948 uses the terms 'Commonwealth citizen' and 'British subject' as one and the same thing. British passports designated their bearers as citizens of 'the United Kingdom and Colonies', with the implication that every Commonwealth citizen was also a British subject, and, therefore, guaranteed the right of entry to the United Kingdom. The pro-Commonwealth Conservative Government, in power between 1954 and 1961, took the view that immigration controls were unnecessary and divisive.

Among working class supporters of both Labour and the Tory parties, however, opinion had swung strongly in favour of limiting 'coloured' immigration. The Notting Hill Riots and other similar disturbances in 1958 were a street level expression of public disquiet about 'New Commonwealth' immigration. This racist agitation was echoed throughout British society. Opinion polls showed an overwhelming majority in favour of controls, and the Government came under increasing pressure to change the law.

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Creators: Mike Phillips

 
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