Experiments in Automating Immigration Systems
By Jack Maxwell and Joe Tomlinson
Published
Jan 25, 2022Page count
130 pagesISBN
978-1529219845Dimensions
203 x 127 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jan 25, 2022Page count
130 pagesISBN
978-1529219852Dimensions
203 x 127 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jan 25, 2022Page count
130 pagesISBN
978-1529219852Dimensions
203 x 127 mmImprint
Bristol University PressIn recent years, the United Kingdom's Home Office has started using automated systems to make immigration decisions. These systems promise faster, more accurate, and cheaper decision-making, but in practice they have exposed people to distress, disruption, and even deportation.
This book identifies a pattern of risky experimentation with automated systems in the Home Office. It analyses three recent case studies including: a voice recognition system used to detect fraud in English-language testing; an algorithm for identifying ‘risky’ visa applications; and automated decision-making in the EU Settlement Scheme.
The book argues that a precautionary approach is essential to ensure that society benefits from government automation without exposing individuals to unacceptable risks.
Jack Maxwell is a barrister at the Victorian Bar.
Joe Tomlinson is Senior Lecturer in Public Law at the University of York.
Foreword - Catherine O’Regan
1. The Home Office Laboratory
2. Testing Systems
3. The Brexit Prototype
4. Category Errors
5. Precautionary Measures