Justice for Rubel Ahmed


Source :Movement Against Xenophobia

Read the story and weep.


The demo has happened but expect a concerted campaign on this issue. Please follow MAX for further updates.

http://movagxen.wordpress.com/2014/09/22/justice-for-rubel-ahmed/

Via MAX - http://movagxen.wordpress.com/

More essential reading -

'Call for inquiry into death at Morton Hall immigration detention centre' :
http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/sep/07/morton-hall-immigration-detention-centre-death-rubel-ahmed

'Left to die in British detention: who was Alois Dvorzac?' :
http://www.channel4.com/news/left-to-die-in-british-detention-who-was-alois-dvorzac

Unlocking Detention - a fantastic, crucially important blog :
http://unlocked.org.uk/blog/

Unlocking detention, unlocking change :
http://unlocked.org.uk/blog/unlocking-detention-unlocking-change/

More posts on asylum, asylum seekers and detention :
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/asylum%20seekers

MAX Conference

Thanks to all those who attended the Movement Against Xenophobia conference over the weekend, and special thanks to those who attended the workshop of family migration. All three of us presenting greatly enjoyed it, especially the question and answer session at the end.

There were some really good questions, especially those around the Surinder Singh route, and also the five years to Indefinite Leave to Remain imposed by the July 2012 rules. This is an issue that should be made more of for lots of reasons (uncertainty and stress, increased difficulty of starting families, trapping people in undesirable situations, added difficulty of finding employment and accommodation), though it's difficult to find the same 'hook' that the personal stories around the income requirement immediately have.

In some ways, the 5 year rule is more insidious in that over time it creates separate categories of first class and second class residents - even after reuniting with your family in the UK, there's a five year trial by ordeal where life is still being made difficult for couples and families.

I'll post more on MAX in a few days!

Movement Against Xenophobia conference tomorrow

http://movagxen.wordpress.com/conference/

'In the UK in 2014, what passes for a debate on immigration is a desolate and harsh discourse of intolerance and prejudice. Families are divided, migrants are scapegoated and the undocumented are hunted. In a willing consensus between politicians, the mainstream media and alleged ‘think-tanks’ such as Migration Watch, the blame for so many of society’s ills are placed on the shoulders of migrants.

'MAX (movement against xenophobia) offers an answer, a place for more progressive thinkers to come together, discuss and then act. Since its inception in autumn 2013, it’s been focused on opposing the Immigration Bill, currently going through Parliament.

'Come and join the discussion, at MAX’s first conference, and make sure humanity wins over brutality. From 10am – 6pm Saturday 15 March 2014.'

The conference is at the Vernon Square campus of SOAS, Penton Rise, London WC1 9EW. Tickets will be available on the door.

 

Immigration Bill: The Committee Stage.

http://movagxen.wordpress.com/2013/10/24/immigration-bill-the-committee-stage/

'The Immigration Bill is being pushed through Parliament with remarkable haste. There is usually a gap of about 3 weeks between the second reading and the committee stage, this time there’s 3 days. This kind of hurry is usually reserved for emergency pieces of legislation, it would appear this time it is to minimise debate and opposition. The Labour Party say they abstained on the second reading because they had inadequate time to read the bill before that was sprung on them. The government haven’t explained why things are moving at this speed. So we have to be as speedy as we can be....'


Have your say on the Immigration Bill.

'The Committee is expected to meet for the first time on Tuesday 29 October; it will stop receiving written evidence at the end of the Committee stage on Tuesday 19 November 2013.

http://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2013/october/have-your-say-on-the-immigration-bill/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Links roundup

https://twitter.com/brolezholloway :
Chinatown protest over #immigration raids by #ukba @NoXenophobia pic.twitter.com/E7nxJiOB3f

https://twitter.com/NoXenophobia :
Protest marches off #shudownchinatown #max pic.twitter.com/IZ5wzEAPUs

https://twitter.com/NoXenophobia :
#max #StopTheImmigrationBill chanting outside parliament. "Immigrants have the right here to stay here to fight" pic.twitter.com/gNVMvFXgCW

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https://twitter.com/chris8tine :
when the issue is as serious as right to live with your husband we MUST have right to ind review of @ukhomeoffice decisions #dividedfamilies

http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/ziad
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Britain's 'immigration nightmare' is really just a nightmare for these immigrants.

http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/asylum-seekers-are-being-detained-indefinitely
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Rosa Crawford: The Immigration Bill – we must replace hostility with solidarity.

http://www.migrantvoice.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=453:rosa-crawford-the-immigration-bill-we-must-replace-hostility-with-solidarity

Today there will be the second reading of the Immigration Bill in the House of Commons.  This is the Bill which, in Teresa May’s words, intends to create a ‘hostile environment' for irregular migrants. It will also target migrants who have documents but are born outside the EU.  If this Bill becomes law, it would introduce charges for non-EU migrants to use the NHS and would introduce sweeping document checks across society – for landlords, at banks, for those wishing to take their driving test.
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https://twitter.com/DexterDiasQC :
the #ImmigrationBill shows the Govt's grotesque exoskeleton & the moral soul of a political machine that doesn't care
http://t.co/yiaQsT8SL1
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Is this really necessary? Universities introduce fingerprinting for international students.

http://www.independent.co.uk/student/news/is-this-really-necessary-universities-introduce-fingerprinting-for-international-students-8894007.html
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https://twitter.com/BajuniCampaign :
We are Somalian Bajunis living in Glasgow. We have not been recognised as Somalian by the UKBA and are seeking this recognition. Follow our stories.
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http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Britain_is_full

"Britain is full!" is the cry of the average pig-ignorant morons that Great Britain is plagued with. It is a phrase that calmly and eloquently explains why Britain can't possibly take on one more immigrant, otherwise the island will sink, or something.
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https://twitter.com/CivicLeicester :
Pls support calls for Evenia's release. Sign petition http://chn.ge/1bmBqiB

Leicester grandmother Evenia needs support today!Tell Ethiopia Airlines not to carry her to Zim 24 Oct
http://ncadc.org.uk/right-to-remain/2013/09/evenia-mawongera/

http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/evenia-must-stay.html

'She has been living in Leicester with her daughters and grandchildren, all of whom are British citizens, for close to 10 years.
'The Home Office wants to remove her to Zimbabwe where she is at risk of arrest, persecution and extremely serious ill-treatment...
'... Evenia is a member of the Zimbabwe Association Choir and is one of the people who performed for Queen Elizabeth II when Her Majesty The Queen visited Leicester to mark the start of her Diamond Jubilee. In addition to that, Evenia is a member of the United Methodist Church where she plays an active role in her local parish. Evenia is also actively involved in the tailoring and crafts projects that are organised and run by Leicester City of Sanctuary.'  

Contact Ethiopia Airlines today and explain why they should not carry Evenia against her will on the flight, and how damaging this kind of practice is to their reputation as business and leisure airline.  Evenia’s removal directions have already been issued, so NOW it’s time to start campaigning!!
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Unwell and over here: what's the "true" cost of health tourism?

http://fullfact.org/factchecks/cost_of_health_tourism_nhs-29247

MAX, why it's here, why it matters.

http://www.jcwi.org.uk/blog/2013/10/17/max-why-its-here-why-it-matters

by Jeremy Corbyn MP

... "We do not spy on our friends and neighbours on behalf of the state. This government has now stepped out of the gutter and into the sewer to plumb new lows in public life."

It's all of our duty to derail this vicious and damaging Bill.

MAX :
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/movement-against-xenophobia-official.html

Stop the Bill flyer :

 
http://www.scribd.com/doc/176953709/Stop-the-Bill-Flyer

A note from MAX :

'Given that the Conservative (led) Government is trying to push this bill through Parliament as quickly as possible, we need every bit of help in making sure there is a sizeable turn out for the protest. Politicians must hear that people oppose this Bill.  Please send the flyer and protest details out as widely as possible.

'It is also imperative that as many MPs as possible vote against the Bill. We have to be realistic and accept that the Bill will go through to the next stage – the Committee stage. However, every MP who votes against it on Tuesday helps in defeating the Bill ultimately. Please lobby your MPs, email them, phone them,  go to their surgery and tell them why you oppose the Bill.  We also intend to use Tuesday as the opportunity to lobby MPs in Parliament. Please phone and ask to see your MP in Parliament on Tuesday. You have the right to request a meeting with your MP, even if you do so when you turn up in the Palace of Westminster, but it is far more likely you will get to meet her or him if you arrange things in advance.

'You can find out who your MP is by putting your postcode in here. You can either use the contact form on that website or phone 020 7219 3000 and ask for them by name.

'We also need to quickly build up our presence online. Please could you follow the MAX twitter account on @noxenophobia, join the facebook group Movement Against Xenophobia and follow the website / blog http://movagxen.wordpress.com/ and encourage your members and contacts to do likewise? That would be an enormous help. When tweeting, please use #MAX.

'Thank you and hope to see you on Tuesday at 10.30 on College Green opposite Parliament.'

Movement Against Xenophobia : Official launch in Parliament

Video of the launch :
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/39900520


BritCits is proud to be part of this initiative, along with over 50 other civil society groups :
http://movagxen.wordpress.com/who-are-we/

https://twitter.com/NoXenophobia :
Right, we're organising against the second reading of the immigration bill. Next Tuesday, in or around Parliament. Watch this space. #max

Follow #MAX on Twitter :
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23MAX&src=hash

Looking forward to hearing more.

Meetup :
http://www.meetup.com/BritCits/events/145938302/

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Upcoming event : Migrant Voice workshop on engaging your MP looks interesting :
http://www.parliamentweek.org/events/engaging-with-your-mp/
http://www.meetup.com/BritCits/events/145934522/

The Movement against Xenophobia

https://twitter.com/NoXenophobia

http://www.meetup.com/BritCits/events/144751862/

A parent's story.

http://familyimmigrationalliance.wordpress.com/2013/10/08/a-parents-story/

It is the UKBA that allows students to enter the UK and although they cannot stop them from falling in love, young people seem to do this.
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https://twitter.com/LeeJasper :
The total disarray and bitter rancour of the #EDL trolling posse post the exit of their leader is an absolute joy to behold.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/10/08/edl-tommy-robinson-_n_4062124.html?utm_hp_ref=tw
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Another tragedy in Lampedusa, one of too many.

http://www.migrantsrights.org.uk/migration-pulse/2013/another-tragedy-lampedusa-one-too-many
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Movement against Xenophobia - MAX!

http://www.jcwi.org.uk/policy/movement-against-xenophobia

Previously :
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/movement-against-xenophobia-along-with.html 
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Postcards for justice.

http://savejusticeuk.wordpress.com/2013/09/27/postcards-for-justice/

Movement Against Xenophobia

Along with South London Immigration Monitor, Black Activists Rising Against Cuts, the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, Migrants Rights Network, Migrant Voice, and others, BritCits is very proud to support the Movement Against Xenophobia (MAX - what an awesome name for a campaign).

The last year or more has seen attacks on the rights of migrants and migrant communities - vans travelling around London bearing the notorious 'Go home' slogan, attacks on legal aid, attacks on the right to health care (which must also constitute a public health issue where access to health care is denied), attacks on the right to housing.

And of course, attacks on the right to family life - not just for migrants, but for British citizens who dare to fall in love with foreigners, have children with them, or have non-EEA elderly dependants. You can read some 181 of these stories here : http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/stories

MAX is a new coalition coming together to oppose the scapegoating of migrants, and therefore to protect the rights of all.

Read more about MAX :
http://www.jcwi.org.uk/policy/movement-against-xenophobia

Movement Against Xenophobia mission statement :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/168350086/MAX-Statement

“If they come for me in the morning, they will come for you in the night.” - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5863103.Angela_Y_Davis

Megan & Max

“Love is and should not just be a privilege for the rich.”

Megan is a British citizen married to Max, from Ukraine. They are both performers, who met whilst working on board a cruise liner…and fell deeply in love.

After two years together, they decided they wanted more than a ship life..they wanted a family; to build a future on land; to be close to Megan’s family in south Wales; to be there for Megan’s mum who is disabled.

So they married in February 2012, excited at a future together. Max returned to Ukraine to prepare for the visa. Megan remained in south Wales and embarked on a new career as a carer, taking her NVQ’s and a starting on a promising career ladder. A carer, a role which the government is crying out for more people to take on, and one Megan is enjoying immensely, in spite of, or perhaps because of, the long hours and hard study it requires.

In this, Megan feels like she has found her calling and is thriving.

She rented a small flat and decorated it, expecting it to be their starter marital home. Not once did they consider the option of any government handouts. Being together is their dream, their responsibility. They are just a young couple in love.

So when they were hit with the July 2012 rules, it felt like their lives had been torn apart. As a carer, Megan earned enough to support them both if needed, though Max would work as well, well able to cover their expenses living in a small Welsh village. However, determined to be with Max, Megan gave up her dream job in favour of a job in the insurance industry, paying £18,000..a role she detested.

Since then, Megan has been in two car crashes, suffering from anxiety and depression. A direct result of the stress, pain and heart ache she has had to endure because of the immigration rules. Ironically, rather than reduce the burden on the taxpayer, Megan’s medicines have required government funding – an expense which would not have been incurred in the first place if the rules had been fair. (Revealed : The financial cost of Theresa May's immigration policy : http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/revealed-financial-cost-of-theresa-mays.html )

Megan loves her husband. He is her world, her heart, her everything. All she wants is for them to be together. They have so much support from their family and a strong youthful passion to succeed.

They don’t want handouts.. They just want to be together.

Love is not and should not be a privilege for the rich.