Latin American migration to the United Kingdom

Last updated

British people of Latin American descent
Total population
Est. number of Latin Americans in the United Kingdom
250,000 [1]
Regions with significant populations
London, Liverpool, Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh and Milton Keynes
Languages
Latin American Spanish  · Brazilian Portuguese  · British English
Religion
Predominantly Roman Catholic; smaller numbers of Protestants
Related ethnic groups
Spanish Britons  · Portuguese Britons

Latin American migration to the United Kingdom dates back to the early 19th century. Before the 1970s, when political and civil unrest became widespread in many Latin American countries, the United Kingdom's Latin American community was relatively small. [2] Since then, economic migration to the United Kingdom has increased, with Brazilian- and Colombian-born residents now forming the two largest Latin American groups, standing at an estimated 95,000 and 36,000, respectively, as of 2019. [3] A significant number of refugees and asylum seekers also moved to the UK during the late 20th century. However, since the turn of the century, Latin Americans have been migrating to the UK for a diverse range of reasons. Today, the community comprises individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds. [4] Additionally, the UK is home to British-born people of Latin American ancestry. During the 2008–2014 Spanish financial crisis, Britain became one of the preferred European destinations for some of the approximately 1.4 million Latin Americans who had acquired Spanish citizenship. [5]

Contents

History and settlement

Early presence of political figures

Revolutionary Francisco de Miranda established his successful campaign for Latin American independence in London Francisco de Miranda by Tovar y Tovar.jpg
Revolutionary Francisco de Miranda established his successful campaign for Latin American independence in London

Latin Americans have lived in what is now the United Kingdom for centuries, albeit in much smaller numbers than there are today. [2] The earliest migrants date back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, primarily politicians and writers who settled largely in London. Their aim was to raise funds for weapons to aid in the liberation of Latin America from Spanish and Portuguese rule. [2] London became a prime destination for these individuals because Britain, seeking to weaken the Spanish Empire while expanding their own, was willing to support their cause.

One notable figure, General Francisco de Miranda, a Venezuelan-born political exile, spent 14 years in the British capitol. Originally a member of the Spanish Navy, de Miranda decided to help free Latin America after witnessing the American War of Independence and French Revolution. [2] A close ally of British Prime Minister William Pitt, de Miranda secured financial support from the British government for Latin America’s wars of Independence following several meetings with Pitt.

Another key figure, Simón Bolívar, known as “The Liberator” for his key role in the Spanish–American War of independence, visited London for six months in 1810. Leading a Venezuelan diplomatic mission alongside scholar Andrés Bello and Luis López Méndez, [2] Bolívar sought British naval and diplomatic protection after the Junta of Caracas severed ties with the Spanish Monarchy. They presented their case to Richard Wellesley, the British Foreign Office undersecretary. However, under pressure from the Spanish ambassador, who argued that Bolívar lacked the authority to demand self-rule, the British turned him away. Bolívar returned to Venezuela, while others from his delegation remained in London’s Somers Town.

In the years that followed, many Latin American nations gained independence. Political figures such as José Antonio Zea and José Rafael Revenga stayed in London, seeking loans to support the development of their newly independent nations. [2]

It was not only politicians who benefited from London's safe and welcoming environment. Many Latin American writers, at risk of execution or imprisonment for their work in their home countries, found refuge in the UK and published their works there. Notable examples include the Brazilian Hippolyto da Costa and the Colombian Juan Garcia del Rio. [2]

Exiles and refugees after 1970

The first significant wave of migration from Latin America to the United Kingdom occurred in the 1970s, catalyzed in part by the Immigration Act of 1971. [6] Prior to this legislation, strict rules limited work permits or residency in mainland UK to individuals from current or former British overseas colonies and territories. [6] The changes introduced by the act made it easier for Latin Americans and other groups to gain the right to live and work in the UK, marking the beginning of the growth of the Latin American community. [6]

This period saw the arrival of both migrant workers and refugees fleeing oppressive political regimes. [6] The first large group of Latin American migrants consisted of approximately 2,500 Chilean exiles who settled in London in the early 1970s. These migrants included businesspeople, academics, and students who had fled the political instability in Chile. [7] Among the exiles were right-wing individuals escaping the rule of Salvador Allende and later leftists fleeing Augusto Pinochet’s regime. [6] [7]

Chile was not the only source of Latin American refugees during the 1970s and late 20th century. Individuals from Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia and Ecuador also sought asylum in the UK. Argentina's military government (the National Reorganization Process), which ruled from 1976 and 1983, was a major factor driving Latin American migration. [6]

Colombians, who form the largest Latin American group in the UK, have been arriving in significant numbers since the 1970s. [8] Most migrated between 1986 and 1997, driven from their homes by guerrilla and paramilitary violence in Colombia. [8] During the 20th century, the UK was the most favoured European destination for Colombian migrants and refugees, even surpassing Spain. [9]

Bolivians represent a smaller Latin American refugee group in the UK. During Bolivia's late 20th-century political instability, many Bolivians chose to migrate to the United States or neighboring South American countries. [10] Despite this, the UK remains the second most popular European destination for Bolivian migrants, regardless of their migration status. [10]

Cuban migration to the UK, though relatively small in scale, began in the early 1960s following the Communist takeover of Cuba. Many Cubans left during the Freedom Flights, which started in 1965, and some chose the UK as an alternative to the United States.

Demographics and population

Unlike the censuses in the United States and Canada, the United Kingdom Census does not include a category for individuals to identify as "Latin American." As a result, it is challenging to determine the exact number of British citizens or residents of Latin American ethnic or national origin. [11]

Official statistics on Latin American-born residents

According to the 2001 UK Census, 62,735 Latin Americans living in the United Kingdom were born in their respective countries of origin. [12] An additional 1,338 individuals reported their birthplace as “South or Central America,” though not all South American countries are considered "Latin." [12]

By 2009, the Office for National Statistics estimated that the Brazilian-born population in the UK had risen to approximately 60,000, while the Colombian-born population had grown to around 22,000. However, estimates for other Latin American countries were not provided due to insufficient sample sizes, which limited the accuracy of data for smaller groups. [13]

Latin American-born people in the United Kingdom in 2001 Latinamericansukcensus.jpg
Latin American-born people in the United Kingdom in 2001
Country of birthPopulation (2011 census) [14] [15] [16] Corresponding article
Flag of Brazil.svg  Brazil 52,148 Brazilians in the United Kingdom
Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia 25,761 Colombians in the United Kingdom
Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina 10,550
Flag of Mexico.svg  Mexico 9,771 Mexicans in the United Kingdom
Flag of Venezuela.svg  Venezuela 9,150
Flag of Ecuador.svg  Ecuador 8,767 Ecuadorians in the United Kingdom
Flag of Peru.svg  Peru 7,246 Peruvians in the United Kingdom
Flag of Chile.svg  Chile 7,130 Chileans in the United Kingdom
Flag of Bolivia.svg  Bolivia 3,765 Bolivians in the United Kingdom
Flag of Cuba.svg  Cuba 2,481
Flag of the Dominican Republic.svg  Dominican Republic 1,377
Flag of Uruguay.svg  Uruguay 1,364

Other population estimates

Several other estimates of the Latin American population in the UK are available. A detailed analysis conducted in May 2011 estimated the population at 186,500, with 113,500 in London. This figure includes irregular migrants and second-generation Latin Americans. [1]

Population distribution

According to a 2005 report by the Institute for Public Policy Research, based on data from the 2001 Census, the ten census tracts with the largest South American-born populations were all located in London. Hyde Park had the highest number of South Americans, followed by Vauxhall North, Kensington, Chelsea, Vauxhall South, Regent's Park, Streatham North, Hammersmith, Streatham South, Hackney South, [17] and Newham.

Outside London, the largest South American populations were recorded in Oxford, Cambridge, central Manchester, central Bristol, central Edinburgh and Milton Keynes. [18] More recently, it has been suggested that Liverpool now hosts the largest Latin American population in the UK outside London. [19]

There are also areas, such as the Latin Village in South Tottenham [20] and Elephant and Castle, that feature a concentration of Latin American shops and clubs. [21] However, due to gentrification, the community in Elephant and Castle has faced the challenge of being priced out of the area. [22]

Latin Americans acquiring British citizenship

The table below shows the number of Latin Americans who acquired citizenship of the United Kingdom between 1997 and 2008; sorted alphabetically.

Previous nationality1997 [23] 1998 [24] 1999 [25] 2000 [26] 2001 [27] 2002 [28] 2003 [29] 2004 [30] 2005 [31] 2006 [32] 2007 [33] 2008 [34] Total
Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina 22384562451051201151451201251201,062
Flag of Bolivia.svg  Bolivia 111928233025355050707565481
Flag of Brazil.svg  Brazil 1191961783313403304354855655406106054,734
Flag of Chile.svg  Chile 3961799212511014513011010090901,171
Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia 1852722963813759451,0001,2901,5001,5801,8451,11510,784
Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica 34712105101010151010106
Flag of Cuba.svg  Cuba 78151830606590115909080668
Flag of the Dominican Republic.svg  Dominican Republic 121319173055506555352035406
Flag of Ecuador.svg  Ecuador 2033394355802003256559557455803,730
Flag of El Salvador.svg  El Salvador 69513251515151010515143
Flag of Guatemala.svg  Guatemala 61364101510101052015124
Flag of Honduras.svg  Honduras 15291115515101010510117
Flag of Mexico.svg  Mexico 2652741161001051451601751451351151,348
Flag of Nicaragua.svg  Nicaragua 39860101005551071
Flag of Panama.svg  Panama 4847101051020101025123
Flag of Paraguay.svg  Paraguay 201400515550542
Flag of Peru.svg  Peru 6578801171051851751802301302201701,735
Flag of Uruguay.svg  Uruguay 844101010151510251010131
Flag of Venezuela.svg  Venezuela 2340464960658595120105155120963
Total27,939

Cultural impact

Festivals

A number of festivals celebrate Latin American culture in the UK:

Newspapers

The newspaper Noticias Latin America (NLA) was published in London from 1992 until around 2008. It ceased publication, and the company was officially dissolved in 2010. [35]

Crónica Latina was likely one of the first Latin American newspapers in London, founded in 1984 by Juan Salgado. It was initially published as Notas de Colombia before adopting the name Cronica Latinas in 1986. The newspaper is no longer in circulation. [36]

Social and political issues

Assimilation into British culture

Latin Americans residing in the UK often refer to themselves the "Invisibles" to highlight the lack of representation in the community and the absence of formal ethnic minority status for Latin Americans. [37]

Economics and employment

Eighty-five percent of the Latin American community in the UK are employed, though many work in jobs for which they are overqualified, and very few rely on state benefits. [38] Around 70% of Latin Americans in the UK have some form of education beyond the secondary level. However, they are 10 times more likely to work for less than minimum wage. [37] Many emigrants who arrive as lawyers or in other skilled professions end up working in low-level positions due to a lack of opportunities. Forty percent of Latin American workers report experiencing workplace abuse and exploitation, and 11% say they are paid less than the national minimum wage – a rate 10 times higher than the national average for the British population. [37]

Asylum seekers and refugees

Many Latin Americans have fled their home countries in search of safety and political asylum in the United Kingdom due to conflicts and civil wars, such as the ongoing Colombian armed conflict which began in 1964. [39] [40]

Notable individuals

See also

Related Research Articles

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References

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  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Workers, liberators and exiles: Latin Americans in London since 1800". untoldLondon. Archived from the original on 8 March 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2010.
  3. ↑ "Population of the UK by country of birth and nationality - Office for National Statistics". www.ons.gov.uk.
  4. ↑ Sofia Buchuck (7 April 2010). "Crossing borders: Latin American exiles in London". untoldLondon. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
  5. ↑ Mateos, Pablo (30 October 2015). Ciudadanía múltiple y migración: Perspectivas latinoamericanas. ISBN   9786079367664.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "The Central and South American Community in London". Museum of London . Retrieved 5 August 2010.
  7. 1 2 Fernández, Francisco Lizcano (2007). Composición Étnica de las Tres Áreas Culturales del Continente Americano al Comienzo del Siglo XXI. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. ISBN   9789707570528.
  8. 1 2 "Caught in the crossfire: Colombian asylum seekers and the UK". Refugee Council. Archived from the original on 6 October 2011. Retrieved 5 August 2010.
  9. ↑ "Colombian migration to Europe" (PDF). Centre on Migration, Policy and Society. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 5 August 2010.
  10. 1 2 "Bolivians in London" (PDF). Runnymede Trust . Retrieved 5 August 2010.
  11. ↑ "Census 2001 - Ethnicity and religion in England and Wales". Office for National Statistics . Retrieved 29 July 2010.
  12. 1 2 "Country-of-birth database". Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Archived from the original on 4 May 2011. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
  13. ↑ "Estimated population resident in the United Kingdom, by foreign country of birth (Table 1.3)". Office for National Statistics. Archived from the original on 14 November 2010. Retrieved 29 July 2010. Figure given is the central estimate. See the source for 95 per cent confidence intervals.
  14. ↑ "Table QS213EW: 2011 Census: Country of birth (expanded), regions in England and Wales". Office for National Statistics. 26 March 2013. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  15. ↑ "Country of birth (detailed)" (PDF). National Records of Scotland. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  16. ↑ "Country of Birth - Full Detail: QS206NI". Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  17. ↑ "Born Abroad - South America". BBC News. 7 September 2005. Retrieved 12 April 2008.
  18. ↑ Kyambi, Sarah (2005). Beyond Black and White: Mapping New Immigrant Communities. London: Institute for Public Policy Research. Archived from the original on 10 November 2005.
  19. ↑ Key, Phil (21 December 2007). "Keep the culture real, keep it Latin". Liverpool Daily Post. Retrieved 1 February 2010.
  20. ↑ "The Latin Village | Latinolife". www.latinolife.co.uk. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  21. ↑ Hill, Dave (7 June 2016). "Latin Southwark seeks its place in Elephant and Castle's future". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  22. ↑ "The Runnymede Trust | The fight isn't over for Elephant and Castle's Latin American community". www.runnymedetrust.org. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  23. ↑ "Persons Granted British Citizenship, United Kingdom, 1997" (PDF). Home Office . Retrieved 29 July 2010.
  24. ↑ "Persons Granted British Citizenship, United Kingdom, 1998" (PDF). Home Office. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 July 2007. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
  25. ↑ "Persons Granted British Citizenship, United Kingdom, 1999" (PDF). Home Office. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 July 2007. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
  26. ↑ "Persons Granted British Citizenship, United Kingdom, 2000" (PDF). Home Office. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 July 2007. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
  27. ↑ "Persons Granted British Citizenship, United Kingdom, 2001" (PDF). Home Office. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 July 2007. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
  28. ↑ "Persons Granted British Citizenship, United Kingdom, 2002" (PDF). Home Office. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 July 2007. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
  29. ↑ "Persons Granted British Citizenship, United Kingdom, 2003" (PDF). Home Office. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 March 2009. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
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  32. ↑ "Persons Granted British Citizenship, United Kingdom, 2006" (PDF). Home Office. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 March 2009. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
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  34. ↑ "Persons Granted British Citizenship, United Kingdom, 2008" (PDF). Home Office. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 July 2010. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
  35. ↑ NOTICIAS LATIN AMERICA LIMITED (newspaper) dissolved, last accounts cover period ending 31 August 2008]
  36. ↑ Roman-Velazquez, Patria (1999). The making of Latin London: Salsa music, place and identity. Ashgate.
  37. 1 2 3 Muir, Hugh (4 March 2012). "Hideously diverse Britain: the UK's Latin American community is fighting for recognition". The Guardian. London.
  38. ↑ "London's Latin American population rises fourfold". BBC News. 19 May 2011.
  39. ↑ Burrell, Ian (21 August 1997). "Crisis as Colombian refugees flood into Britain". The Independent. London. Retrieved 21 February 2011.
  40. ↑ Bermúdez Torres, Anastasia (October 2003). "Refugee populations in the UK: Colombians". ICAR Navigation Guide. London: Information Centre about Asylum and Refugees . Retrieved 21 February 2011.
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