What does the "tough" new immigration bill propose?

New immigration bill proposes new laws that will make it more difficult for illegal immigrants to live, drive, and bank in the UK.

14:34 11 October 2013

In an effort to effectively address problems on illegal immigrants, the government has proposed new immigration bill designed to make it harder for illegal immigrants to live, drive, and bank in the UK.

Immigration Minister Mark Harper said that the new Immigration Bill is designed to "stop migrants using public services to which they are not entitled, reduce the pull factors which encourage people to come to the UK and make it easier to remove people who should not be here".

Under the proposal, banks and landlords will be required to check the immigration status of the people who are applying to open an account and rent a property.

It also aims to streamline the appeals process. Temporary legal migrants may be required to make a contribution to the NHS. The bill also proposes new powers to check the immigration status of driving license applicants.

Meanwhile, several groups have already criticised the bill saying that it will lead to a real risk of increased homelessness and widespread discrimination.