The Aliens Act of 1905

This section explains anti-immigration sentiment and antisemitism in 19th Century Britain which lead to the introduction of the Aliens Act of 1905. In the 19th century, Britain experienced significant migration both to and from the country. The growing migration flows were particularly notable towards the end of the century, with large numbers of people arriving from Europe, especially from Eastern Europe. However, despite the increase in immigration, the British government initially played a minimal role in regulating the movement of people into the country. There were no comprehensive laws on immigration, and only rudimentary systems for registering newcomers existed, making Britain a relatively open society for migrants. But as immigration grew, particularly in urban areas such as London, concerns about the impact of migration began to surface, culminating in the rise of anti-immigration sentiment.

The Growth of Immigration in the 19th Century

The latter part of the 19th century saw increasing numbers of people arriving in Britain, both from within the British Empire and from further afield. Some of the most significant migration waves came from Eastern Europe, particularly the Jewish communities fleeing widespread anti-Semitic persecution in countries like Russia, Poland, and Romania. Many of these Jewish migrants sought refuge in Britain, escaping pogroms and harsh conditions that had become increasingly common in their home countries.

• Jewish Migration: From the 1880s onward, the number of Jewish migrants arriving in Britain surged. By the end of the century, particularly between 1881 and 1914, approximately 150,000 Jewish immigrants arrived, most settling in the poor districts of East London. This influx of Jewish immigrants was seen by some in the native British population as a threat, particularly to their livelihoods. The newcomers were often willing to work for lower wages than the native workers, which caused concerns among local English workers who feared competition for jobs.
• Other Migrant Groups: In addition to Jewish immigrants, there were also significant numbers of Irish migrants fleeing poverty and famine, as well as Chinese, Italian, and other European migrants seeking better opportunities in Britain's growing industrial cities. The expansion of the British Empire also brought people from colonies such as India and the Caribbean.

Rising Anti-Immigration Sentiment

As immigration to Britain increased, so did public concerns about its potential social and economic impacts. These concerns were particularly prominent in areas like East London, where large numbers of Jewish immigrants settled. Local working-class communities, struggling with poverty and unemployment, viewed the influx of foreign workers with increasing suspicion. They feared that immigrants would take jobs for lower wages, undercutting their earnings and making it even harder to find work.

• Economic Anxiety: The economic anxiety felt by English workers was exacerbated by the growth of industrialisation, which created competition for jobs, particularly in cities like London. Many workers believed that immigrants, particularly Jewish migrants, were willing to accept poor working conditions and lower wages, which they perceived as a direct threat to their own economic security.
• Anti-Semitism: Among the groups targeted by this growing anti-immigration sentiment, Jewish immigrants were particularly vulnerable. Anti-Semitism was deeply ingrained in European society, and Britain was no exception. Many native Britons viewed Jewish migrants with suspicion, often accusing them of being responsible for the country's social and economic problems. This deep-rooted prejudice was amplified by a sense of nationalistic pride and fear of cultural change. Jewish immigrants were often stereotyped as economically exploitative, leading to their scapegoating during periods of economic hardship.
• Public Protests and Tensions: Anti-immigrant protests, particularly those directed at Jewish immigrants, became more common in the late 19th century. These protests were driven by a combination of economic insecurity, cultural prejudice, and political agitation. The issue of immigration was increasingly framed as a threat to the British way of life, and by the early 20th century, a vocal anti-immigrant movement began to gain traction.

The British Brothers League (BBL) and the Push for Immigration Control

In response to growing public anxiety over immigration, particularly in East London, Captain William Stanley Shaw founded the British Brothers League (BBL) in 1902. The BBL was an organisation dedicated to campaigning against immigration, especially Jewish immigration, which they believed was undermining the social and economic stability of Britain.

• The British Brothers League: The BBL sought to stir public sentiment against immigration, claiming that foreign workers were responsible for taking jobs away from native Britons and increasing social unrest. The League’s leaders, including Shaw and other figures such as William Evans-Gordon, the Member of Parliament for Stepney, sought to channel this resentment into political action. The BBL’s efforts were especially focused on East London, where large Jewish communities had settled.
• Evans-Gordon and the Aliens Act: William Evans-Gordon, an outspoken advocate for restricting immigration, became closely involved with the BBL and its campaign. He led parliamentary efforts to pass laws to curb immigration, specifically targeting Jewish immigrants. In response to the growing political pressure, in 1905, the British government introduced the Aliens Act, which marked the first significant piece of immigration legislation in Britain.

The Aliens Act of 1905

The Aliens Act of 1905 was a direct response to the concerns about the economic and social impact of immigration. It set out to restrict the entry of certain groups of migrants, particularly those seen as undesirable by sections of the British public. The Act introduced a range of measures to control the movement of people into the country and was aimed at limiting the influx of Jews from Eastern Europe.

• Provisions of the Aliens Act: The Act classified migrants into categories, allowing the government to refuse entry to those considered a threat to British society. For instance, migrants who could not support themselves financially or who had criminal records were to be denied entry. It also introduced the first official border control force to monitor and enforce immigration restrictions.
• Impact of the Act: While the Aliens Act of 1905 did not directly limit Jewish immigration, it created an official framework for restricting the entry of those deemed undesirable. In practice, however, the Act was used to target Jewish migrants, with local authorities and immigration officials often enforcing restrictions based on racial and religious prejudice.

The Legacy of Anti-Immigration Sentiment in 19th-Century Britain

The growing anti-immigration sentiment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was rooted in fears about job competition, cultural change, and racial prejudice. The rise of anti-Semitism in Britain, particularly in the context of Jewish migration from Eastern Europe, illustrates the complexities of Britain’s relationship with immigration during this period.

While there was some public support for the rights of immigrants, the political climate in Britain became increasingly hostile towards certain groups. The creation of the Aliens Act of 1905 marked the beginning of more formalised immigration controls in Britain, setting a precedent for future immigration policy. Despite this, Britain's immigrant communities, particularly the Jewish population, continued to make significant contributions to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the nation.