UN condemns proposed UK immigration bill, fears it would create 'climate of ethnic profiling'

The United Nations Refugee Agency has condemned British Prime Minister David Cameron's proposed immigration laws. There are fears the laws could stigmatise foreigners, deny housing to people in need and create a 'climate of ethnic profiling'.

The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), António Guterres, raised concerns that the immigration bill will damage communities. It added that the bill would also lead to the marginalisation of refugees and asylum-seekers, the report said.

According to the Guardian, Cameron has proposed the immigration bill in order to crack down on illegal immigrants. Under the bill, migrants in the UK would have restricted access to bank accounts and private housing, and would force temporary migrants to pay for public services such as the NHS.

However, the commissioner said legal refugees and asylum-seekers would suffer discrimination if the legislation went ahead.