BritCits

A note from the FIA - and upcoming events

A note from our colleagues/ collaborators at the Family Immigration Alliance ( familyimmigrationalliance.wordpress.com ).

We work shoulder-to-shoulder with the FIA. In my case, the FIA's mention in the Economist article 'Sons and lovers' ( http://www.economist.com/node/21556926 ), which was published around the time of the introduction of harsh new family division rules ( http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/introduction.html ) - led directly to me seeking Chris out and from then those early, key connections which brought me into the campaign.

I also recommend reading Chris's own experiences on family unity - the European way : http://www.jcwi.org.uk/blog/2013/02/07/family-unity-european-way

Additionally, the FIA is mentioned as one of a number of campaigning organisations in this excellent, succinct parliamentary note from August 2012 on the effects of the rules :http://www.scribd.com/doc/130036035/Changes-to-Immigration-Rules-for-Family-Members

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'Dear Supporters and Contributors,
It is approaching one year since the family immigration rules were introduced and media opportunities are emerging in the next couple of months to share your story with a wider and more influential audience.

    'Firstly, on or around Monday 10th June (TBC) the All Party Parliamentary Group on Migration will launch their report from their enquiry into the impact of the rules. Some of you submitted your stories directly to this enquiry, and the FIA submitted a review of cases received as evidence. We are appealing for interested people who would be prepared to share their experiences potentially with a Sunday newspaper to give a human side to the findings of the report. If you are interested, please reply (Chris's address: familyimmigrationalliance at gmail dot com) and I shall get the ball rolling.
    'The second opportunity is a public meeting being set up by the Hackney Refugee and Migrant Support Group on Wednesday 26th June. If you or anyone you know are separated by the family immigration rules, are from Hackney or East London, please get in touch.
    'Finally, the anniversary itself on Tuesday 9th July will generate a lot of public attention, with plans for a parliamentary meeting and a protest being formulated. There will be more media interest here too and anyone prepared to speak to the media about their situation will be highly sought after, so please put your name forward if your are willing and able to.

'In the time since the the rules entered into force the number of people who have joined these Facebook groups, Britcits or otherwise contributed their stories has really grown, and established many groups and individuals in their campaign against the rules under the banner of the ‘Divided Families campaign’. These are huge opportunities to make the your situation count for something more than the separation and tragedy these rules have forced so many people into, so please be brave and speak out!

'As always, I’d welcome any updates from you in your personal struggles with the UKBA and the new rules. Please do get in touch if you’d like to post.
'Many thanks,

Chris Mead
Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_FIA
familyimmigrationalliance.wordpress.com
facebook.com/pages/Family-Immigration-Alliance/159420480835447

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Most importantly, as Chris says, three dates are coming up :
- The launch of the parliamentary report on the effects of the rules - tentatively scheduled for early June. (Background : http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/appg-roundup.html - http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/todays-links-jcwi-on-all-party.html )
- A public meeting in Hackney on the effects of the rules. (I hope to attend also).
- The anniversary of the rules on 9th July, for which events are in the planning stage.

Hope to see some of you there!