These paintings depict individuals within the UK who live in a social and cultural limbo, implicated by the UK’s use of destitution by design legislation, instigated as a deterrent to asylum seekers. They typify a highly censored world; the life of an illegal immigrant. The portraits focus on women and their vulnerability as such. These particular women illustrate a segment of society forced by political tape into the sex trade for survival. The work relies upon metaphors and semiotics to permit the viewer an opportunity to decipher the intention. The paintings illustrate a critique of society’s systematic segregation and its acceptance of narcissistic views; whilst considering this exploitation within the context of a universal social phenomenon.