MSc Criminology Report: Immigration, Terrorism in the UK Context

This report, submitted in fulfillment of an MSc in Criminology, examines the complex relationship between immigration and terrorism in the UK. It begins by establishing the contextual background, including events like the London bombings and the rise of Islamist terrorism, and then formulates research questions and objectives focused on understanding public perceptions and potential policy implications. The literature review analyzes theoretical frameworks, including anti-conspiracy theories and conflict theory, and discusses the impact of Islam in the UK. The methodology outlines the qualitative research approach used to analyze secondary data. The analysis chapter explores the link between lax control measures and terrorism, while the conclusion summarizes the findings and offers recommendations for future policies. The report aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue and inform policy-making.

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The Link between Immigration and Terrorism in the UK

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Abstract
The research based discourse is focussed upon the establishment of the link between immigration
and terrorism in the UK with special reference to the events such as the London bombings of 7th
July 2005 along with the stabbing incident that occurred at London Bridge on 29th November
2019 as far as the raising of concerned regarding safety and security in the UK in an effective
manner is concerned accordingly. The events of 11th September 2001 are also considered in the
discourse in order to capitulate on the relation between terrorism and immigration in a proper
manner. The discourse also explains the impact of Islam in the UK which has led to terrorism to
a huge level in terms of the influx of Muslim immigrants in the UK to a considerable level
accordingly. It is also observed form the discourse that there has been development of
prejudicial views amongst the mass in the UK with respect to the spreading of Islam as far as the
increase in activities pertaining to terrorism in the UK is concerned accordingly. In this regard,
Islamophobia being spread in the UK widely has been taken into consideration. The stricter
background checks for immigrants have also been considered in the discourse in order to curb
terrorism in the UK in a drastic manner accordingly.

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Table of Contents
Chapter-1.........................................................................................................................................4
Introduction......................................................................................................................................4
Contextual Background...............................................................................................................4
Research Problem........................................................................................................................5
Objectives and Aim.....................................................................................................................6
Research Questions......................................................................................................................6
Significance of the study.............................................................................................................6
Study Outline...............................................................................................................................7
Chapter-2.........................................................................................................................................8
Literature review..............................................................................................................................8
Introduction..................................................................................................................................8
Theoretical analysis.....................................................................................................................8
Anti-conspiracy theory............................................................................................................8
Conflict theory.........................................................................................................................9
Difference in Ideas in Terms of Culture................................................................................10
Political Conflicts......................................................................................................................11
Discussion..................................................................................................................................11
Analysis of the concept of criminology in terms of terrorism...................................................14
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................15
Chapter-3.......................................................................................................................................15
Research methodology...................................................................................................................15
Paradigm....................................................................................................................................15
Data collection and analysis......................................................................................................16
Qualitative analysis....................................................................................................................17

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Strategy of the research.............................................................................................................18
Materials pertaining to the research...........................................................................................19
Limitations of the research........................................................................................................19
Ethical considerations................................................................................................................20
Chapter 4........................................................................................................................................21
Analysis.........................................................................................................................................21
Introduction................................................................................................................................21
Laxity in control measures.........................................................................................................24
Analysis of the concept..............................................................................................................26
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................29
Chapter 5........................................................................................................................................32
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................32
Summary....................................................................................................................................32
Recommendations......................................................................................................................34
Future.........................................................................................................................................36
Reference List................................................................................................................................38

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Chapter-1
Introduction
There has been mixed responses as imperative from the findings in terms of the relationship
between crime worldwide and immigration. Over the recent decades there has been a substantial
rise in the global migration. International migration is not considered to be a new phenomenon
but it has been considered to be a key issue in the security agenda in a number of nations and in
the involvement of migrants or descendants in some major terrorist incidents in the last few
decades. The paper is aimed at the establishment of the link between terrorism and immigration
in a proper manner.
Contextual Background
In the 18th and the 19th century, Irish immigrants were considered to be the most over represented
amongst those appearing at the court for criminal cases. A number of researchers suggest that the
policing strategy could have led the immigrants to a disadvantageous position by targeting only
for most public crime, while the locals were found likely to be more engaged in the crimes that
could be conducted right behind the locked doors (Noll, 2010). The historical courtroom records
has proved that there has been higher rate of arrests and immigrants were not found to be at
disadvantageous position by the British court during that time (Menz and Caviedes, 2010). The
issue of mass migration, the rise in the refugees from the war zones and the threat from the
Islamist terrorism has been found to grown since the 9/11 attacks (Marin and Spena, 2016). All
this has seriously had an impact on the domestic policies in Europe. Immigration has been for a
long time been found to hold economic, cultural and physical security threat also related to the
rise in the terrorist activities and criminal acts. There were three type of issues as of 2015 that
has been found to be intertwined (Hammarberg, 2009). The conflict in Iraq and Syria and ISI led
violence that led to surge of the refugees in the surrounding areas and unprecedented exodus in
Europe. Migration from Iraq, Syria, and some parts of the Southwest Asia and areas of North
Africa has been found to be seen as a Trojan Horse which enabled the Muslim terrorist to invade
Europe. The attacks that has struck Europe in the recent times has brought to the fore that there
exist link between the terrorists, refugees and the migrants (Boswell, 2007; Brouwer, 2002). It
coincided with the assertion that the prominent terror group was the ISI and the 2015 attack in

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Paris was considered to be the worst in the land of France since the Second World War. The
refugee policies of Europe has been found to change significantly after the repeated terror attacks
(Samers, 2004). This is the reason these cases are considered to be evidences that make the
militants and the migrants indistinguishable. The attacks have led to a debate on the possibility of
linkage between militants, migrants and refugees. This is the reason it is important to provide a
conceptual framework that helps in creating a distinction between the migration waves and those
of the ancient ones.
International migration is a very important subject for most of the nation’s specially the UK and
the US. The effect of immigration on security and also question on whether economic benefit is
going to increase the cost has been considered to be at the central part of the debate. A number of
policy makers and the public institutions have been widely discussing the topic between the
public institutions and the policymakers (Finotelli and Sciortino, 2009). A report of the
International Organization for Migration has highlighted the areas where in the national security
and migration policies intersect. Along with that the reports also warn about the connections
between the insecurity and migration (Karamanidou, 2015).The perceived link of terrorism and
immigration has been found to perpetually been legitimise the enforcement and the
implementation of the migration, regulation, laws and control.
Research Problem
The UK has been found to suffer more deaths due to terror attack that any other nation in the
recent past. ISIS led atrocities at the Manchester, Westminster and London Bridge caused loss of
lives to a huge level. The death toll of UK was followed by 16 in Spain, 5 in Sweden, three in
France, two in Finland and one in Germany. A series of these attacks in 2017 and also few more
attacks in 2018 revealed that most of the accused who were linked to these attacks were
immigrants. This has created an apprehension among a number of researchers to search for the
links between the attacks caused due to terror and the immigrants. The UK has emerged as a
country that has been considered by a number of refugees for immigration. After series of terror
attacks in UK’s most prominent location has made the government to lay down some important
policies to reduce the threats and considered most of the Muslin and Africans as the main cause
for most of the terror led activities. The problem of terrorism has been quite persistent all over
the world and there is found to have a strong link of Muslim immigrants to most of the terror

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attacks. Migration was deemed by the government as a threat to the British Sovereignty and this
led to the justification for a stern policy on immigration.
Objectives and Aim
1. To understand the perception that the people residing in Britain holds with respect to
immigration.
2. To strategise the possible migration policies that is required so that terrorism is avoided
in the UK.
Research Questions
1. What are the perceptions held by the people of Britain with respect to immigration?
2. What are the possible migration policies that need to be considered to avoid terrorism in
the UK?
Significance of the study
The dissertation helps in examination of the immigration policy formulation and terrorism in the
UK. The research is going to help in identifying the affects that immigration has on the terrorist
activities in the UK. Since the terrorist activities are increasing over the years in the UK it is
important to improve the position of the people. Border control is one of the important strategies
that need to be considered for solving the problem of illegal immigration in the country.
Study Outline
There are primarily four chapters that are going to be covered in this paper, In Chapter 1, the
researcher has stated the aims and objectives and also provide some background related to the
topic of study. The entire course of the research is dependent upon the aims and the objectives.
In the Chapter 2, includes the literature relating to links of terrorism and immigration. It
discusses about the anti-conspiracy theories, which suggest the rise in the Muslim immigrants in
the country and that has led to a rising concern for UK. Even it was observed that people who
took refuge in the country were engaged in some sort of criminal activity. Furthermore,
criminology has been considered in terms of terrorism. Criminological research was found to
have gained momentum after 7th July London Bombing and 9/11 attacks. In Chapter 3, the
research method is considered to be important for the research. In this research, the researcher
has opted for qualitative research which involves mostly secondary data analysis on the topic. In
Chapter 4, an analysis has been conducted to see the relationship between terrorism and

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immigration. The significance of this chapter is considered to be crucial as this helps in
understand the real cause of the growing terrorism in the UK. In Chapter 5, the research has
provided concluding remarks with respect to immigration in the UK and terrorism. It also
highlights some recommendation based on the result so that the problem of terrorism could be
curbed.

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Chapter-2
Literature review
Introduction
The literature review is aimed at the establishing of a link between immigration and terrorism in
an incredible manner through the analysis of various sources which can be both online and
offline. In this regard, secondary data would be analysed in an efficient manner with reference to
the desired results. The relevant theories would also be taken into consideration in terms of the
sources available that would aid in the identification and determination of a relationship between
terrorism and immigration. The terror attacks as a result of immigration of Muslims in the UK in
terms of extremism would also be taken in to consideration and be analysed in a detailed manner
with reference to the desired results. In this regard, the relevant literature in the form of books
and journals would be analysed along with the available statistical data, if any. As a result, it
would imply the discussion of the literature in a detailed manner in terms of the purported
outcomes. The concept of criminology would also be analysed in an in-depth manner.
Theoretical analysis
Anti-conspiracy theory
Due to the terror attacks in the UK off late, there has been a promulgation of anti-conspiracy
theories to a considerable extent with reference to the waging of war against Islam. In this
regard, the attacks of September 11, 2001 are also taken into consideration. Due to the aspect of
multiculturalism in the UK, there has been an influx of immigrants to a considerable extent from
Arabic countries along with the countries of the Middle East taking account of the attacks in
London on 7th July 2005. It is observed that there are various aspects and features regarding the
anti-conspiracy theory with reference to opposition to Islam taking account of the rise in
immigration in the recent past. It is also inferred that Muslims who have been engaged in the
activities related to terrorism have also tried to claim refugee status in the UKwith reference to
being granted asylum. Additionally, the concept of Eurabia has been developed due to the
prevalence of Muslims in the UK in the contemporary era to a huge level accordingly. In
addition to the bombings on 7th July 2005, there have also been attacks on five students on 29th
November 2019 at London Bridge through stabbing by a terrorist identified as Usman Khan. As

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a result, it implies the capitulation of the anti-Islamic conspiracy theory thereby implying the
security threats to the UK to a considerable level with reference to Muslims. Hogan and
Haltinner (2015) have opined that the immigration of Muslims in the UK have led to terrorism at
a certain level thereby leading to the pugilism of right-wing in the UK to a considerable extent.
In this regard, it has been apprehended that more immigrants in the UK from the Middle East
may lead to islamization of the UK thereby leading to the possible rise on terror attacks in the
future accordingly. However, it is also inferred that the development of such kinds of
apprehensions may lead to the advent of Islamophobia to a considerable level with reference to
the prejudicial views and opinions accordingly. It is also observed that the perceptions regarding
opposition to Islam have led to the rise in racial views to a considerable extent with reference to
the rejection of the spreading of Islamic culture in the UK that would lead to the disastrous
outcomes possibly. As a result, the anti-conspiracy theories regarding opposition to Islam have
been promulgated due to the events of violent attacks in the UK in the recent past. It further
implies the measures to be undertaken for safety and security of native Britons at the national
level with reference to the comprehensive solutions.
Conflict theory
In addition to the anti-conspiracy theory, the conflict theory is also applicable to delve into the
sociology of terrorism in an in-depth manner with reference to the desired outcomes. Such a
theory implies the drawing of reasonable inferences in terms of the identification and
determination of differences amongst the people in the society with reference to the ideas that
would aid in the derivation of the desired outcomes accordingly. It would also imply that
terrorism is being caused in the UK by Muslims as a result of the discriminatory treatment being
meted out against them taking account of the aspect pertaining to the holding of prejudicial
views on the basis of religion along with the aspect of racism accordingly. The conflict theory
also implies that violence is the first and foremost means to secure and procure rights with
reference to terrorism that would aid in the achievement of the goals and objectives of the
terrorists in an efficient manner with reference to the desired results. It is also implied by the
conflict theory that terrorism is caused as a result of injustice taking account of the scenario of
the UK accordingly. It is also observed that the lack of awareness amongst people also leads
them to resort to activities related to terrorism with reference to unwanted aggression.
Additionally, the conflict theory also implies that religion is used as a means to justify activities

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pertaining to terrorism with reference to the desired results taking account of the Muslim
attackers in the London bombings of 7th July 2005 with reference to high level violence
accordingly. It is hereby inferred that the invasion of Iraq by the UK along with the US in 2003
as a part of the War on Terror has also led to the aggravation of activities related to terrorism to a
considerable extent taking into consideration the scenario in the UK. Alexander (2015) opines
that the changes pertaining to social behavior are one of the main causes of the occurrence of
terrorism to a huge level with reference to the societal patterns and norms along with the
surroundings of the people accordingly. As a result, it can be observed that the changes occurring
in various aspects of the society would lead to the advent of activities pertaining to terrorism
with reference to the conflicting ideas accordingly. Guerette (2016) states that the migration to a
huge level has also led to cultural conflict that has eventually resulted in terrorism as implied
through the analysis of the situation in the UK thereby leading to the measures and steps being
undertaken with reference to the stemming of the tide of immigration in order to curb terrorism
in an efficient manner accordingly.
Difference in Ideas in Terms of Culture
Immigration has become an issue as it brings cross cultural groups into the country without
security. According to report, on December 2, 2015 a terrorist attack was performed by
American-born Syed RizwanFarook and wife Tashfeen Malik who was foreign born with
fourteen people dead in San Bernardino, California (Nowrasteh, 2016). This obtained data
highlight that Syed was a Muslim who was born as American with immigrated parents and
fiancé. Here, the noticing part is that culture and ideology of attacker were completely different
from place they were born. Another study established that Sammiulla Khan, Abo Edelbijev and
Torleif Angel Sanchez Hammer born in London were found in the US journalist murder video
after they ran away from UK to the country Syria (Ilan, & Sandberg, 2019).
Therefore, culture is one aspect that connects immigrants and terrorism as infusion in nation such
as UK. Multiculturism is one of the theories that is somehow responsible for terrorism and
considered being against by countries such as Germany and France (Nugier et al., 2016). This
theory states that diverse culture with racial and cultural groups co-exist with each even though
they have wide customary behaviour, assumptions, values, thinking and unique communication
(Holmes, 2010). Hence, cultural thinking with respect to different culture and perceptions is one
of the ways that makes ideologies different. The Islamic culture and traditions refer themselves

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into jihadis a term for violent criminals from Muslim backdrop. These types of theory define
Jihadis terrorism as ways through people become violent if their religion is harmed due to being
difference in ideologies. Another study establishes that, Jhiadis Terrorism from immigrant
Muslims could be possibility if motivation to a negative sentiment is given by western
neighbours for religious ill-being factors such as increasing Islamic religiosity and lack of
secularism (Sirgy, Joshanloo, & Estes, 2019). In other words, whenever a Muslim immigrant is
given more secularism scrutiny or perception over their expansion, it could turn dangerously for
people in UK to live with harmony. Therefore, cultural ideologies that differ in a country is most
probably one of the reasons for terrorism. Furthermore, people living as immigrants could turn
themselves into terrorist in sake of religious disguise.
Political Conflicts
The politics is another way which could infuse immigration as well as terrorism in one binding.
Political conflict is a way through which violence is inflicted in different states of a country. The
government does not look after people however extract political agenda which increase violence.
The sectarianism is one theory which establishes that people are supported to one party in
excessive amount. As per one research, European Muslims are not preferred based on sectarian
differences like jobs, favours, goods, services and political powers (Joseph, 2019). While,
another study keeps focus on how immigrant people on political hierarchy can influence violence
in the country. As per report, migrants who are rich in social capital are often used as political
resource and affects host country adversely (Bove, &Böhmelt, T., 2016). Hence, it depicts how
people could use themselves in middle of politics and inflame violence and terrorist activities.
Discussion
It is imperative that violence have been used by immigrants in the UK in the recent past thereby
leading to activities pertaining to terrorism to a considerable level. As a result, the terrorist
attacks have led to the reduction in support of immigration in the UK by the mainstream British
population who see immigration as a threat to the security and safety at the national level with
reference to the Muslim immigrants. The influence of Islam in the UK is also perceived to be a
major factor in the promotion of terrorism to a considerable extent with reference to criminology.
As a result, there have been calls for the tightening of the immigration laws of the UK to a
considerable level. The main reason for the curtailment of immigration of Muslims in the UK is
the fact that the welfare benefits are extended to them also depending upon their immigration