Immigration is often a topic that divides opinions, especially in countries like the UK. One woman’s story, however, shows how experiencing life as a refugee can completely shift one’s perspective. Jess Hallett, from Llanelli, Wales, was once a vocal opponent of immigration. But after participating in Channel 4’s series Go Back To Where You Came From, her views changed dramatically. The show took her on a dangerous journey, mirroring the path many refugees take to seek safety and a better life.
The Journey That Changed Everything
Jess was one of six British citizens selected for the program. Her journey began in Mogadishu, Somalia, and Raqqa, Syria—two cities known for their instability and danger. The participants followed smuggling routes, crossed deserts, and braved perilous boat journeys, just as many refugees do in real life.
Jess, who once firmly believed the UK was “full” and should not accept more immigrants, was deeply affected by what she saw. “If I was in their shoes, I would be jumping on the boat myself,” she admitted. Seeing the harsh reality firsthand was vastly different from reading about it online.
From Protests to Understanding
Before this experience, Jess was actively involved in protests against plans to house 241 refugees at the Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli. She admits that her earlier views were influenced by the negative portrayal of immigration she found online. The hotel plans were eventually dropped in October 2023, but the issue had already prompted Jess to delve deeper into the topic.
Her time on the show made her realize the desperate circumstances many refugees face. “When you hear these stories… they have absolutely nothing. And I mean nothing,” she said. Witnessing the struggle of people who have lost everything gave her a new sense of compassion.
The Reality Behind the Headlines
Jess highlighted how online content often fails to convey the real suffering people go through. “What you see on the internet is absolutely nothing compared to what you see in person,” she explained. The show exposed her to families who survive on limited resources and children who learn essential life skills from a very young age.
One memory that stood out to her was watching an eight-year-old girl expertly prepare food using minimal tools. The resilience and ingenuity of these communities left a lasting impression on Jess.
A New Perspective on Immigration
Since returning to the UK, Jess’s outlook has shifted significantly. She now values learning about other cultures and has even spent three months in Thailand to broaden her horizons. While she still believes in respectful behavior regardless of origin, she now understands why people risk their lives to reach safer countries.
“I don’t care where you’re from, just be respectful,” Jess said. Her journey transformed her from someone who feared immigration to someone who empathizes with the people behind the statistics.
The Power of Experience
Jess Hallett’s story is a testament to how firsthand experiences can challenge deeply held beliefs. Her journey through war-torn areas, combined with the resilience she witnessed among refugee families, gave her a new perspective on immigration. She hopes others can also step beyond online narratives and see the human side of this complex issue.
