The debate on immigration is riddled with controversy and divisiveness, yet distinctively universal. In America, we commonly think of the debate of immigration being associated with illegal immigration through the influx of aliens via the U.S. southern border. The UK faces a similar discussion. Those in favor of loosening stringent migration standards argue that countries can benefit from a greater cultural diversity, flexible labour markets, and a solution to aging populations. Those in favor of more secure borders often state free borders can result in lower wages for unskilled workers, overpopulation, and a negative impact on GDP per capita. With all said, it seems that like most political debates, an agreeable consensus seems distant. However, despite this, what remains true are the families and individuals suffering through the process.

UK artist Ebony Buckle experienced the impacts of tight UK immigration laws first hand. Her new single “Ghost” chronicles her plight with immigration when her marriage visa was refused shortly after her wedding, resulting in a two year separation from her husband. This experience inspired her to partner with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) to help fight for Asylum Seekers’ rights and provide legal support, food, medical support and more. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Ebony Buckle.

Where are you based?
I live in North London.

Can you tell us how you got interested in music?
I started learning music when I was little and I used to write my own songs even then. It’s always been the way I am most comfortable expressing myself. It took me years to actually have the belief that I could do it, though.

What were some of your most cherished childhood music memories?
I used to do a lot of theatre growing up, and I think being in musicals were some of my most cherished memories. I loved the people, and being on stage was one of my favourite feelings.

Your song, "Dark Place", is very powerful. Can you please tell us a little bit about this song and what inspired it?
Thank you! Dark Place was written after I heard a woman on the radio phone in because she thought she might be in an abusive relationship. She described being forced to wear ugly clothes and not being allowed to see her friends. I thought about the moment where she realised it wasn’t ok and how brave she was to say something. The song is about the deepest darkest place in all of us, where sometimes we are too afraid to look, but we need to.

Your new single "Ghost" speaks on your struggles to renew your visa following your marriage with your husband. Can you tell us the story of you and your husband, and everything you went through. Are you together now?
We are, yes! We have been back together now for six years! Our story is a long one so I will try to summarise it. My marriage visa was refused just after we were married and, so, we were separated for nearly two years. We were stuck in an indefinite state of limbo and it was hard to keep going. I shut down and went quite numb for a long time. We wrote Ghost over Skype and it was the first creative thing I had done since the visa was refused. It awakened that spark in me again.

As a result of your visa issues, you and your husband had been apart for nearly two years. What was the reunion like?
It was wonderful and weird. We had both grown and changed and had new friends and habits. It took us a while to get to know each other properly again. But that was pretty amazing in a way… to be able to get to know someone all over again.

What is your current sentiment towards the UK's immigration laws?
I have been known to rant about this topic so I will try to be short and sweet. The current system is a cruel mess of bureaucracy that ruins peoples’ lives with no regard for their humanity. Immigration is what makes the world beautiful and open and free and I think the more walls we put up the more afraid and small-minded we will become.

With everything going on with COVID, a lot of couples have been separated, for a number of different reasons, including immigration. In fact, immigration is even harder now. What advice do you have for couples going through a similar predicament?
I’m not sure I have any advice. It was horrible and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I think, try to keep talking and staying in touch as much as you can. Sometimes it felt like we had nothing to say to each other so we started to read books over Skype or play board games. Also, focus on things you can control. So much of the immigration process is out of our hands and there is a lot of waiting. I think finding some purpose in something definitely helped. I had some really beautiful friends and family who kept me going during that time. I tried a lot of different hobbies and failed miserably at crochet, cross-stitch, baking and general craft. But walking and reading and talking to people I loved helped me. Also therapy! And writing out my thoughts was really helpful too. I still do that to be honest… Sometimes they come out as poems!

You are working with the charity War Child right now. Can you tell us a little bit about them and why you decided to partner with them?
I did a live show in June for them and we raised over £300 for them. There are so many people who are being affected by this pandemic and children are the most vulnerable.

You are also working with the the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC). Can you tell us a little bit about them and what inspired you to connect with them?
Australia is currently violating human rights law by keeping asylum seekers in detention indefinitely. Some have been basically in prison for seven years. The ASRC is an incredible organization that is fighting for their rights and providing legal support, food, medical support and so much more. Perhaps it is the fact that I have had a tiny taste of waiting for a visa. It is nothing compared to what these people are going through, but I definitely lost hope and felt trapped by a system that I couldn’t seem to get out of. We had another live show for the ASRC and have raised nearly $400 so far! You can still watch the show and donate here: https://youtu.be/0E2-KBQ0Hm8

How has your daily routine changed since the stay-at-home order?
I have had to work hard to keep a routine going in lockdown. I try to exercise and often dress up as if I am going out. For some reason this helps me work! I am really lucky to be with Nick in our home. We have a studio and, so, we have been able to keep working on our album and writing new music. So, it has been quite a productive time!

How do you manage to reinvigorate your creativity while under quarantine?
It’s hard… I have definitely felt a bit of a slump in the last month or so. We did so many livestreams and I released Ghost, which was wonderful, but then I think I was a little drained. I set up my Patreon page this year and, so, we have been growing a community around our music. That has really kept me going. I share a poem a week and new songs and new recordings for the album we are making. So, having that focus and purpose means that even when I’m feeling a bit down, I still have things I need to deliver. It’s been amazing!

What actions are you taking to stay healthy, mentally and physically, during this time?
I do ballet barre and yoga and go for walks. I listen to podcasts. I also started gardening and have been growing a range of very small vegetables (I don’t know why they are so small) including carrots, beetroot and potatoes. And, sometimes I lie down and wait until I feel better. I think it’s really important to listen to what your mind and body need. Sometimes we need rest and sometimes we need peace.

How is this separation different from the separation you had from your husband? Are there similarities?
We are together, so that’s a much more positive start! I think because the whole world is in limbo we don’t feel as alone. And, also, this time I have been able to keep working, which I wasn’t able to do last time. So there is some structure and purpose.

What is your motto in life?
Not sure I have one specific motto. Maybe this… Don’t take yourself too seriously and never stop learning new things!

To learn more about Ebony Buckle, please follow her via the below platforms:
Patreon: ebonybuckle
Instagram: ebonybuckleofficial
YouTube: ebonybuckleofficial
Facebook: ebonybuckleofficial
Shop: https://ebonybuckle.bigcartel.com/

Photography by Rosie Emerson.

Reunited, Ebony Buckle's Fight For Immigration