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'I'm not a stranger, I'm part of the UK's everyday story'

The Independent

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September 23, 2025

Migrants who have made a life in Britain share their fears about Farage's controversial deportation plan.

- By Alex Ross

'I'm not a stranger, I'm part of the UK's everyday story'

A research manager who moved from Brazil to the UK has said Nigel Farage's plan to abolish indefinite leave to remain (ILR) would make it impossible to plan a future in this country.

Brener Seixas, who works in London, pays taxes through his above-average salary while volunteering for a housing association cooperative in Lewisham. He also runs a Brazilian film festival, which takes place next month.

Despite having lived in the UK for four years, the 34-year-old, who is preparing to apply for ILR status in March, said Reform UK's radical policy on immigrants had left him feeling insecure about his future.

At a press conference yesterday morning, Mr Farage announced officially that his party, which is ahead of Labour in some opinion polls, would abolish ILR and force non-EU migrants to renew their visa every five years.

Under the crackdown, which Mr Farage claimed would save £230bn through welfare and housing, applicants would have to meet certain criteria, including a higher salary threshold and a better standard of English. Those with UK citizenship status would not be affected.

However, the plan has been met with an outcry from charities, campaigners and politicians, as well as those who would be affected, including Mr Seixas.

He told

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