Every government wants to appear to be tough on asylum seekers. But in failing to offer newcomers immediate access to English language learning one runs the risk of missing out on significant economic and social cohesion benefits. In this article, the author argues that asylum seekers need to get English language support in their first six months in the UK and be provided with immediate access to language training. She contends that language is key to social integration and, while she believes language learning cannot be called a human right, it is the means by which newcomers access their basic human rights and "become effective" in a country. It is particularly important for asylum seekers, since they are denied the opportunity to take up any other forms of gainful activity and are "among the most vulnerable sections of society". There is research that shows that those who have English language training in the early phases are much more likely to carry on learning, once they get onto the first step of the ladder.