Rebecca and Wes

I want a kidney from Theresa May!

'My husband, Wesley, at the age of 42, moved here to the US to marry me in 2005.  He moved here primarily because we didn't wish to relocate my teenage son.  My husband was anxious to begin a new life in America, but through the years we both began to talk about a return to the UK.  My husband's health suffers poorly in our temperature extremes, for one.  At any rate, we always felt we could "go home" when we were ready.  The Home Office would recognize our marriage as legitimate because it was more than four years old; they would require me to have a visa and  would require we have enough income or savings to support ourselves; they would cover that visa with a stamp in my American passport that said "no recourse to public funds".  This was all fine with us.  We knew before July 2012 that governments have rules and don't expect people to just waltz in.

'Now - we cannot go back to the UK together, as a married couple - unless we prove we have £62500 in savings.  Instead, we must endure a lengthy separation while my husband goes back to Britain -  finds a job earning more than £18600 - and works that job for at least another six months - before we can even file with the Home Office to be reunited.  Or - unless he can procure a job in the UK, whilst still in the US, that earns that amount, AND can prove he has earned the US equivalent of £18600 in the last year.

'My husband is a simple man.  I am the breadwinner in our family.  I have worked since I was 16 years old, and am presently the assistant to the Director of a large division (400 employees) of a mental health provider.  But my income in the US - our life and the fact we have never been on benefits in our married life - does not count towards the sponsorship requirements.  My future earning potential in the UK does not count.  My husband is what you call (in the UK) a "carer".  He attends to developmentally delayed individuals in a group day setting.  His work is valuable and necessary to society.  He is GOOD at his job - the individuals love him, and he loves them.  But it doesn't pay the US equivalent of £18600, and it would not pay £18600 in the UK.  So - the third option I listed above is out for us.  It is either have vast savings or separate and look for work.

'We would be returning to a life in Northern Ireland - the odds of my husband getting a job, in NI, in his field that pays £18600 are slim to none.  But he COULD get a job as a carer - there are plenty of those jobs out there, even in the UK's economic climate.  But those jobs, while they would pay a livable wage in Northern Ireland, are insufficient under the new rules.  The new rules don't just "punish" those who are in lower wage professions - they punish people who live outside the south of England - areas with lower wages.

'If we were to sell off our home and possessions to move to the UK, we would have approximately £20000 in savings.  Under the old rules, this would have been more than enough for the Home Office to grant me a visa.  And, IF we were so inclined to try and get benefits, that amount of money would prevent it.  Under the old rules, I could not possibly have become "a public charge".  In short - we are not "skivers and shirkers".

'My husband suffers from polycystic kidney disease.  I cannot send him back to the UK, alone, to look for work.  He is on a special diet that I am sure he would not be able to maintain as a "bachelor" living by himself.  His blood pressure requires constant monitoring.  I am his "carer" as well as his wife and partner.  Even with the NHS on hand, my husband would fall into ill health if he had to go back alone, for many months possibly a year or more, to look for work to satisfy the Home Office requirements.

'I have been active in immigration message boards across the internet for eight years now.  I advise on three boards and have written two articles for the Transpondia website.  I only mention this because I want you to know that neither I or my husband would expect any government to just blithely swing open its doors for us just because we are "in love".  We know there are always rules, and we followed those rules to bring my husband to the US.  But these measures by the current coalition government to restrict migration at the expense of families are harsh indeed.  The financial requirements are FAR more harsh than spousal visas to the United States (I would idly note that the Home Office misrepresented the US family immigration system in its consultation report to the public and to Parliament).  And I mention Internet message boards because the reaction of British expats, across those communities, is one of deep disappointment; of dismay; and sometimes of utter misery.  Many now feel "exiled" from Britain.

'Because I read the internet so much (perhaps more than I should) I know that much of the web "focus" regarding these rules has been on couples who are living apart at the moment.  In most internet writings, there is a British citizen, in the UK, who is separated from a loved one.  The issue of the Expat, abroad with their foreign spouse, gets less mention - even by groups like Migrants Rights Network.  But the new rules are just as devastating to the Expat as to a UK citizen living at home (check out the fourm "Returning to the UK" on BritishExpats.com for proof).   And in my opinion, the rules are a clever craft of the magic concept of "net migration" to keep out people who have already left.  For it feels like the British government never wants its people to return.  At least not with a non-EU spouse.
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Rebecca is a regular contributor to the Transpondia online forum which focusses on international relationships : 
http://www.londonelegance.com/transpondia/measure-twice-cut-once-primer-do-it-yourself-immigration

A British citizen has been sentenced to ill health and exile by his own government, in the name of a meaningless immigration target.
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“Our native soil draws all of us, by I know not what sweetness, and never allows us to forget.”
― Ovid

Are you prevented from sponsoring an adult dependent relative because of UK's immigration rules? If so, we want to hear from you. Please contact [britcits at gmail dot com].
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Visa_requirements_by_nationality . Useful for those trying to plan a holiday with their partner - page contain maps of countries which each nationality can visit visa-free, or visa-on-arrival.
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Spotted on Facebook.

This is the second time that I HAVE to say goodbye to my wife and my baby at the airport, I still do not know when will be the day we are together again and forever. Tomorrow I will have to communicate with them from skype, my baby will be coming back to interact through a screen, how much confusion it causes this? I will never know. On July 12th I received the e-mail from UKBA in Brazil, saying they have my appeal and take up to 12 weeks to review it and give us an answer. I filed the appeal documents on March 27th and apparently know the result on September 30. We do not know when we will have the opportunity for a hearing with the judge ... The money is coming out of our pockets and we can not see light at the end of the tunnel. No consolation after each bounce, not enough words to soothe this injustice, but every day I have a picture from skype with date, to show my baby that never stopped my appointment with her and her mother. Hopefully these pictures toquel judge's common sense and help our cause and hopefully soon end our ordeal. Thank you all for the support. Mucha paciencia y fuerzas a todos desde Ecuador!
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#Letanmarstayintheuk

I am a South African citizen that fell in love with, and married a British man. We settled in sunny Suffolk (in his home town) and I started up my own wedding cake company: CRUMB - Bespoke Suffolk Cakes. I was due to apply and receive my ILR (residency) in 2012, but just short of a month before qualifying for my ILR my husband declared an affair - with another South African woman - and left the same day. No longer being able to apply for the visa due to his absence, I have been involved in not only a divorce, but also a fight for the life that I have built up in the UK. I have paid all my dues - including taxes and NIS, and on top of my award winning business (BEST WEDDING CAKE DESIGNER IN EAST OF ENGLAND - 2013 WEDDING INDUSTRY AWARDS, I also have a full time job at a local hotel as a chef. I applied for my IRL "outside the rules of immigration", but in July 2013 my visa application was refused by the UKBA, even after submitting more than 100 letters of support with my application - and I am now at the stage of applying for an appeal. I will have to go to court in the appeal, and I am hoping to collect as much support as possible. I am now months over my original date of qualification for my UK residency and I believe I have the right to obtain a visa to let me remain in the UK. If I do not appeal, I have to apply for "voluntary removal" and I will be sent away in 21 days.  I would appreciate your help so much and I am happy to answer any other questions involved with my case!

https://twitter.com/Let_Anmar_Stay

Aldeburgh: Fight to save South African wedding cake designer Anmar Robinson from deportation.

http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/aldeburgh_fight_to_save_south_african_wedding_cake_designer_anmar_robinson_from_deportation_1_1804616

One of pernicious aspects of the July 2012 rule changes ( http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/introduction.html ) - and one that's not often discussed - is how time to ILR is now five years (previously it was two). This puts victims of domestic violence and adultery in a most difficult situation should they try to escape their situations.

While the timeline is different, the case above does highlight this. We will see more and more of these situations over the next few years - including from women trying to escape abuse.

http://www.southallblacksisters.org.uk/ has done some campaigning on this.
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Campaign is stepped up to prevent gran's deportation.

http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Campaign-stepped-prevent-gran-s-deportation/story-19576393-detail/story.html

Campaigners are continuing to support a grandmother from Zimbabwe who is facing deportation.

Yesterday, friends of Evenia Mawongera presented 289 more signatures to the Border Agency, in Loughborough.

Via https://www.facebook.com/NCADC
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https://twitter.com/ColinYeo1 :
Home Office definitely appealing MM minimum income High Court case. Shame, but no surprise: http://buff.ly/14gDVvx
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https://twitter.com/timfarron , president of the Liberal Democrats, says :
I wholeheartedly agree with @caronmlindsay these 'Go home' posters is the politics of division. These billboards must be shredded and now.

Please take action on this.

Follow https://twitter.com/RAMFELCharity :
And now going up to Salford to talk #racistvans on BBC Breakfast
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https://twitter.com/savejusticeuk :
#legalaid residence test, #racistvan & now a 'social duty' to hire Brits not migrants http://tinyurl.com/olu7gmg  Outraged? #rallyforlegalaid
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Migration researchers on Twitter.

http://www.freemovement.org.uk/2013/07/27/migration-researchers-on-twitter/
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WINSTON Churchill’s great-grandson has declared war on David Cameron’s immigration policy — to save an Afghan interpreter from the Taliban.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/campaigns/our_boys/5036860/Relation-of-Winston-Churchill-declares-war-against-Cameron-immigration-policy-to-save-Afghan-war-hero.html

Ravi

“As a self-employed person, the rules are even more onerous…and time apart from my wife even longer.”

Ravi is a British citizen. He married his wife in early 2013, in Mauritius. Like many Brits, Ravi as it turns out, somewhat naively assumed that being a British citizen himself, having his wife with him would be a mere formality.

For Ravi, the financial requirement of £18,600 is the stumbling block. He is self-employed and his financial records for the 2012-13 tax year in their current form are unlikely to satisfy UKBA.

Allowing for solicitor and application fees in the thousands of pounds, he is of the opinion applying is not a risk worth taking, given the higher than average likelihood of refusal for those who are selfemployed.

Ravi is aware he could wait until after submitting the 2013-14 tax year accounts, making sure these would meet with UKBA approval, but that means waiting till April 2014 before he can even apply, plus the UKBA processing time which by all accounts just seems to get longer, and longer.

He is considering taking on a salaried/wage paying job paying in excess of the minimum requirement,collating 6 months of payslips and applying then. However, allowing for the time to find a job and then again the application time as well, it’s also a long time to be apart from his wife.

So he has several routes open to him. One route he is considering is Surinder Singh. He has a birthday later in the year and hopes he can have his wife with him then so this resort of self-exile is the most appealing to minimise time apart, inconvenience and cost. A route to self-exile is the only route the government has not been able to close.

Home Office announces that it will appeal the recent adverse decision on family migration income threshold.

http://www.migrantsrights.org.uk/news/2013/home-office-announces-it-will-appeal-recent-adverse-decision-family-migration-income-thres
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The Home Office says :
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/july/51-min-income
'However, we believe matters of public policy, including the detail of how the minimum income threshold should operate, are for the Government and Parliament to determine, not the Courts. We also believe the detailed requirements of the policy are proportionate to its aims. We are therefore pursuing an appeal against the judgment.

One significant issue with the rules is the undemocratic way they were introduced per http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/introduction.html

As many are aware, the rules were brought in initially via secondary legislation, and then (when the courts ruled against this), there was an emergency debate which a handful of Lords attended (the Commons having gone into recess), discussing something the majority of them really didn't understand (with some honourable exceptions).

http://www.freemovement.org.uk/2012/07/19/new-immigration-rules-brought-in-immediately/

This hasn't been scrutinised properly by Parliament, and the APPG goes some way to remedy this.

The rules were introduced undemocratically, without a true debate as one would understand it, and yet the Home Office blabbers hypocritically about 'the will of Parliament'.
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I was at a meeting (organised by a church group) in Westminster a couple of nights ago; on the agenda was family migration, the rules, their impact and an update on the campaign. One question was - how did the rules came in, how on earth did they get through? My explanation of the sequence of events caused a palpable ripple of shock in the room (not the only thing they found shocking; the sheer numbers of people affected - 47%  at least, and maybe much more if you consider the impossible evidential requirements - was shocking to many. That people could be asked to leave the country after 2 1/2 years was shocking too (I quote from Lord Taylor of Holbeach's letter to Baroness Smith - 'Where a couple cannot meet the financial requirement at a later application stage, for example because of redundancy, the migrant will no longer qualify... [and] will be required to leave the UK). The discriminatory nature of the rules - the impact falls on everyone, but some more than others. And on and on.


I also had to explain to a woman who approached me at the end that it may be advisable for her adult son to postpone starting a family in case he fell foul of the rules which have an additional income requirement for children. Inhuman.

The undemocratic nature of the rules does make people sit up. We come back to the point that it is important to lobby politicians because - as we've seen with family migrations - the government can be very devious about bringing in radical changes under the radar.

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In the meantime, grassroots campaigning, hearts and minds, lobbying politicians and persuading people to lobby, and providing support to those affected is key.

This should serve as a caution for those involved in other campaigns (such as legal aid, and NHS care) for how devious and ruthless this government can be.

Spotted on Facebook #surindersingh

'My family and I made it back into the UK,we arrived at Dublin airport at 5am ... we made our way to the baggage and visa desk,a 17 year old looked at my wife's visa for a second and then added a colour sticker to her pre printed boarding pass,we then made our way onto the plane with the anticipation of some one stopping us and checking my wife's visa to make sure it was all correct, we were looking forward to it in fact, (we wanted our day in court!) so as we touched down we were surprised to find that there were no checks at all in Birmingham,I guess the 17 year olds sticker was sufficient in Dublin, the fact that we were arriving from Ireland meant that there is no need for any immigration control/ check.

'Feels fantastic to be home and very surreal at the same time, for all you doing the EU route keep your heads strong and before you know it you will be touching down on UK soil, now for a normal family life !'

Court rejects UK gov attempt to send transplant patient to her death.

http://www.opendemocracy.net/ourkingdom/clare-sambrook/court-rejects-uk-gov-attempt-to-send-transplant-patient-to-her-death

In London today judges rejected an appeal by Home Secretary Theresa May to deport a kidney-transplant patient to certain death in Nigeria. May had sought to overturn decisions by two judges permitting Roseline Akhalu stay in the UK.
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Victory for Rose in Immigration Appeal Court!

http://saverose.wordpress.com/2013/07/26/victory-for-rose-in-immigration-appeal-court/

“We are overjoyed with today’s judgment. Roseline has had to endure months of needless worry and anxiety because of this groundless and expensive appeal by the Home Secretary, which has aggravated Rose’s fragile health condition. We really hope that the Home Office now has the sense to admit defeat so that Rose can get on with her life and continue contributing to her community as she has been doing for so many years.”

Previously :
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/the-trials-of-roseline-akhalu-httpwww.html

Shame on you, Theresa May.

https://twitter.com/compassion4rose

What happened to history's refugees? #fascinating

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/interactive/2013/jul/25/what-happened-history-refugees

People have been forced to leave their countries since the very notion of a country was created. We take a look at some of the largest human movements in history to find out why people left their homes, where they went and what became of them.
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Trolling the racist van.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/07/26/racist-van-home-office-immigration_n_3658580.html

One objector, who goes by the name Pukkah Punjabi on Twitter, told HuffPostUK she had called the number and asked to be taken home to Willesden, north west London.

"I did keep them on the phone for a while but I'm not sure she was fooled because of my distinctly London accent," she told HuffPost UK.

https://twitter.com/robfordmancs :
Well done Home Office,you've found immigration policy everyone agrees on: They all agree "go home" vans are idiotic
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk-news/2013/jul/25/coalition-row-adverts-illegal-immigrants?CMP=twt_gu&commentpage=2

https://twitter.com/sunny_hundal :
Absolute genius. @PukkahPunjabi winds up the Home Office #racistvan number. Try it yourself! pic.twitter.com/iwMPm1PgoF

https://twitter.com/EiriOhtani :
Please stop the #GoHome vans in London immediately. You are destroying community relations. #nooneisillegal #text78070

'Go home' ad campaign targeting illegal immigrants faces court challenge.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk-news/2013/jul/26/go-home-ad-campaign-court-challenge
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Britain has often received acclaim for its tolerant nature however, that tolerance appears to be running low when it comes to immigration. UK Immigration Barristers investigates why British natives have voiced their opposition to immigration.

http://www.ukimmigrationbarristers.com/blog/why-wont-indigenous-brits-tolerate-immigration/

https://twitter.com/sjplep :
Compare climate in UK now with US 1990s eg California proposition 187 1994.
Similar nativist sentiment but demography, economics, technology are game changers.
UK years behind but public opinion WILL catch up with our global future. Our job to help it along!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Proposition_187_%281994%29 - a 1994 ballot initiative to establish a state-run citizenship screening system and prohibit illegal aliens from using health care, public education, and other social services in the U.S. State of California. Voters passed the proposed law as a referendum in November 1994; it was the first time that a state had passed legislation related to immigration, customarily an issue for federal policies and programs. #soundfamiliar

https://twitter.com/johnstuadams :
I don't wish to "tolerate" people coming here, I wish to welcome them
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https://twitter.com/donflynnmrn :
It's official! Migrant domestics who complain about abusive employers are told to pack up and leave the country!
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2013-07-23a.186.0
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Europe’s culture capital builds segregation wall.

http://www.romatransitions.org/europes-culture-capital-builds-segregation-wall/
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Two boat tragedies leave migrants dead and missing off Europe’s shores.

http://www.amnesty.org/en/for-media/press-releases/two-boat-tragedies-leave-migrants-dead-and-missing-europe-s-shores-2013-07-
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https://twitter.com/ASRC1 :
2,637,434 Number of Afghan #refugees & #asylum seekers globally.
Number of Afghans who came by boat to Australia 2011-12: 3,363

Rachel & Ahmed

“We haven’t applied for a spouse visa yet..the new rules have left us fearful and in a kind of limbo.”

Rachel is a 23 year old British citizen, a university student reading Arabic and Art History. She is married to Ahmed, from Egypt.

As part of her degree Rachel had the option of spending a year abroad in Egypt, Palestine or Jordan. She opted for Egypt as three years previously she had visited Cairo to assess the suitability of her degree, where she met Ahmed during a flat search.

After Rachel left Egypt they kept in touch via Skype and three months later, she was visiting him in Egypt once again. Three months after that, he came to stay with Rachel and her family in Cornwall for Christmas. Since then, they haven't gone for longer than 3 months without seeing each other, be it in Cairo, during term-time in London or with Rachel’s family in Cornwall.

When they got engaged, they planned to marry during Rachel’s year abroad because a lot of her friends from university would be able to attend and balance out Ahmed’s big family at the wedding!

Rachel had heard about some new changes to the rules at the time, but didn't really think anything of it – she assumed it would be higher application fees or the like. She never expected they would raise the income threshold to £18,600 p.a. and restrict financial support. Indeed, a friend who had married an Egyptian was allowed to have her parents as providers of third party support for his visa (this was before July 2012). As they knew Rachel would have her final year at university to complete, Rachel was also relying on her parents to do the same (and they were happy to), with Ahmed staying with Rachel during her last year in London.

 

Rachel is on course for a first-class degree and fairly confident of her earning potential after she graduates – however she firmly believes it should not just be her capacity to work and earn a decent salary which should count. She finds it frustrating that neither the spouse's earning potential nor his financial situation are taken into account.

If the government is so keen to ensure no burden on taxpayer, then given Ahmed will already have a clear ‘no recourse to public funds’ in his passport – surely it’s his financials which should be taken into account?

The same company that Ahmed works for in Egypt are currently advertising for the same job in England, with an annual salary of £36,000 - this is obviously much, much higher than the company pays their employees in Egypt.

Ahmed is qualified, has a good command of English and therefore good job prospects, which would be of great help to Rachel as a final year university student, in terms of rent and other expenses which Ahmed would help out with.

Rachel has never claimed benefits and has no interest in doing so, either. Both their families are able to help them out should they find themselves in a difficult situation – so no reason why third party support should not count.

After three years of going back and forth - though their relationship is more than worth all the travel they have endured – they are tired. They want to be able to plan their future but at the moment, in addition to the political instability in Egypt, everything seems so uncertain.

At present they’re applying for Ahmed’s family visit visa so at least he can come and visit Rachel while she is at university.

Rachel considered putting off her studies to go down the Surinder Singh route, but that would pose an unnecessary financial burden – without much of a time saving on her completed her degree and going straight into employment.

She has however postponed her decision to do a Master's degree!

Political instability in Egypt aside, Rachel needs to be in the UK. Her Dad passed away, and she is the only child and grandchild. While the government claim she can exercise her right to a family life with her husband elsewhere, what about her Mum and Nana's right to a family life especially when her Nana is not able to travel?

It does seem to this couple, that in their aim to bring down net migration, not only is the government keeping foreigners out of the country, but trying to encourage British citizens to leave too.

Rachel and Ahmed married in March 2013. After spending an amazing nine months in Egypt, it's been hard readjusting to life back in the UK without her husband. She barely feels like a newly-wed!

She considered staying back in Egypt for the summer, but thought it would be best to come back and work and try to earn as much money as possible to put aside for the future. Ahmed is doing the same in Egypt.

It really is demoralising to know that despite the no recourse to public funds, the couple may not be able to start to build their lives together until at least a year from now.

It has put pressure on Rachel to find a job immediately after she graduates, which in the current climate of internships and focus on the importance of gaining experience (i.e. an acceptable form of unpaid employment) it is difficult for her to remain optimistic - but it's all they can do in the face of these new rules.

Surinder Singh template letter

Spotted on Facebook! Shared in the spirit of fair use and education for those considering the EEA route.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/156029837/Surinder-Singh-Template-Letter

Memo to Cameron: immigrants aren't a "constant drain" on the UK - they're the reverse.

The truth is that migrants contribute far more in taxes than they receive in benefits and services.

http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2013/07/memo-cameron-immigrants-arent-constant-drain-uk-theyre-reverse
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https://twitter.com/migrants_rights :
“Go home or face arrest”: the UK government’s latest anti-foreigner stunt http://j.mp/13E3gUb  Guest Blog on our Migration Pulse section
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https://twitter.com/APPGMigration :
Farage condemns 'nasty, Big Brother' Home Office campaign which asks illegal immigrants to 'go home' http://dailym.ai/144YwtK  via @MailOnline
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https://twitter.com/MRCF_london :
send complaint about the #racistsvan to your MP, to the HO http://bit.ly/12NE3U2  & the Advertising Standards Agency http://bit.ly/19jYyyR
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https://twitter.com/MartinRuhs :
Immigration policies as control of the poor. Bridget Anderson's new book "Us and Them" looks very interesting http://goo.gl/0H3Ojm

Attacks on migrants, and on the working classes, are linked :
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/stories

Lorraine

“My daughter can’t leave the country and her husband can’t remain here..what about their innocent son..why  should a British child be forced to live without a parent?”

Lorraine is a British citizen. She is also a mother to a British citizen, Emma, and a grandmother to a British citizen, Aymane. Her son-in-law, Driss, happens to be Moroccan. And herein lies the source of the battle this family has been waging with UKBA for months now.

Emma met Driss and as has been happening since the beginning of time, this young couple fell in love. They got married and several months later Lorraine received the wonderful news she was to be a grandma.

Lorraine and her husband visited Emma and Driss in Morocco. They were horrified to see their daughter living with no electricity or running water; sleeping on a floor. Certainly no place for Emma to be in during her pregnancy.

For various reasons, Lorraine’s daughter returned to the UK to give birth, assured she’d be looked after by her mum through the rest of the pregnancy. While the entire family was delighted, they were more so when Driss received a visit visa to be with Emma for the birth of their first child

Lorraine’s gorgeous little grandson was born in September 2012, and Lorraine doesn’t have the words to explain how much she loves and cherishes him. He is her world and she’d go to the end of it for him.

While it was never Emma’s intention to remain in the UK, shortly after giving birth she became disabled – diagnosed with severe arthritis. Much of Lorraine’s time is spent with Emma - helping and supporting her. It is not possible for Emma to return to living in basics with her health as is – without her mum to help her.

Emma is currently having chemotherapy to suppress her immune system attacking her joints. She therefore needs full time care which she receives from her husband, and Lorraine when she isn’t working. Emma is unable to leave the country. And UKBA have told Driss he isn’t allowed to remain in the country.

Surely everyone is entitled to a family life, Lorraine asks... Why should her grandson be left without a daddy ?

Lorraine’s daughter and son-in-law have appealed for him to stay in the UK; the fate of this family is currently in the hands of UKBA. It is impossible for Emma to earn £18,600. Lorraine would always support her daughter, son-in-law and grandson financially. There is no reason this family would be a burden on the taxpayer - if only the government would let them remain a family.

What are the consequences of minimum income requirement for family migrants in the UK?

http://www.migrantsrights.org.uk/files/publications/MRN-Family_income_requirement_July-2013.pdf

A new minimum income requirement for UK citizen to sponsor a non-EEA spouse, partner and child to live with them in the UK came into force in July 2012. Emerging evidence on the new rules suggests that this have impacted on a wide range of people. Those who cannot meet the minimum income requirement are being forced to relocate, make significant sacrifices to meet the threshold or face indefinite separation from family members.
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BritCits meetups scheduled London and Glasgow.

Please attend to share stories & ideas.

http://www.meetup.com/BritCits
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This evening, a good meeting with good people : https://twitter.com/LondonChurches - in Westminster Central Methodist Hall, which also hosted the first meeting of the UN General Assembly in 1946 - talking about immigration, divided families, health, the law and the awful billboard vans.
With https://twitter.com/EiriOhtani and https://twitter.com/ZrileB

I urge you to follow and contribute to Migrants and the NHS :

http://migrantsandthenhs.wordpress.com/

The Government consultation on charging for NHS care has now been launched and you can find all the associated documentation and response portal here.  Running along side this is a Home Office consultation entitled ‘Controlling Immigration – Regulating Migrant Access to Health Services in the UK‘.  The Department of health have said that they will transfer relevant responses from their consultation to the Home Office consultation but if you can fill in both that would be best.  If you are based in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland the Home Office consultation is the best one to respond to.

The consultation will run until August 28th, and is into “migrants’ access and financial contribution to the NHS”. Among other things it proposes ending “free access to primary care for all visitors and tourists” and introducing “more practical and easier ways for the NHS to identify whether someone is not eligible for free healthcare”.

This consultation needs a strong response on public health, economic and humane grounds. What is being proposed could also radically affect the health professionals relationship with their patients.
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https://twitter.com/hey_preston :
Who in their right mind deliberately separates a husband and wife? Or a mother/father from their children? #UK #settlementvisanightmare
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UK Border Agency accused of deporting victims of Female Genital Mutilation.

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/07/22/uk-border-agency-accused-of-deporting-victims-of-female-genital-mutilation/

Two women facing deportation by the UK Border Agency to Sierra Leone and The Gambia are at risk of persecution in their home countries because they refuse to carry out Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), according to a human rights group.

Campaign group Movement for Justice by Any Means Necessary (MFJ) will hold a demonstration in support of Josephine Komeh and Maimuna Jawo outside the Home Office in Westminster, central London, from 12pm-1pm on Tuesday.
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https://twitter.com/EiriOhtani :
Have you texted 78070 to protest against the Home Office's #GoHome billboards in London? I am still waiting a call back. #nooneisillegal
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https://twitter.com/BritCits :
BritCits member to @ukhomeoffice via sms:I saw billboard warning offering to send me home.I must come clean.Im here illegally.Im from Hawaii
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https://twitter.com/migrants_rights :
@RefugeeAction put out a statement on the Home Office #GoHome ad, which is separate from their Choices programme
http://refugee-action.org.uk/about/media_centre/our_news/853_refugee_action_appalled_by_new_home_office_campaign_to_encourage_voluntary_returns
---

Spotted on Facebook :

From the Jewish Museum in London.

It is a letter written in 1926 to the Home Office, by someone in London who wants to bring in their (Jewish) sister in law from Poland.

It states that they have permission to be in the UK, and will be providing accommodation for the family member, and that they will be responsible for maintenance and upkeep while they are in the country, and that they will be sure the sister in law does not 'fall a burden on any charity, or become a public charge.'

Council 'horrified' over scheme for immigrants to go.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-23419848

Adverts telling illegal immigrants to go home show little has changed in the UK since Enoch Powell's rivers of blood speech.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/jul/23/anti-immigrant-ad-campaign-racism?CMP=twt_gu

 Even Delboy would not stoop to such depths.

Teather slams Home Office “Go Home” billboards as “straightforward intimidation”.
http://www.libdemvoice.org/teather-slams-home-office-go-home-billboards-as-straightforward-intimidation-35421.html

https://twitter.com/ColinYeo1 :
Unbelievable. Harper of @ukhomeoffice here describes the 'go home' campaign as 'dignified': http://bit.ly/1bd1uiz

https://twitter.com/EiriOhtani :
.@ukhomeoffice Please stop the #GoHome vans in London immediately. You are destroying community relations. #nooneisillegal #text78070

https://twitter.com/EiriOhtani :
Have you texted 78070 to protest against the Home Office's #GoHome billboards in London? I am still waiting a call back. #nooneisillegal

https://twitter.com/MigrantVoiceUK :
If you don't like the Home Office's #GoHome vans why not text an alternative message to 78070

https://twitter.com/SeemaChandwani :
Omg, when my Dad came to this country ppl graffitted saying 'Go Home' now the UK gov are! Is this a joke

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Have you seen this van in Redbridge?
http://fleshisgrass.wordpress.com/2013/07/23/have-you-seen-this-van-in-redbridge/

This government thinks it is appropriate to try to gain support by turning us against some of the poorest and most vulnerable amongst us. I think the Conservatives are trying to make fools of us.
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https://twitter.com/BritCits :
Flashback on treatment of international students..forced to queue up all night in chilly weather
http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2012/oct/02/international-students-queue-into-night-to-register-with-police
---

https://twitter.com/migrants_rights :
The response from the Prime Minister's office regarding our petition to Number 10 on #familymigration. pic.twitter.com/EVwC642JwS

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https://twitter.com/MigrantVoiceUK :
Should 'illegal' immigrants be rebranded as 'irregular' immigrants? The UN thinks so via @Telegraph http://fw.to/gG3zWyi
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https://twitter.com/BritCits immigrant of the day : 

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New immigration laws hinder some married expats returning to UK.

http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/new-immigration-laws-hinder-some-married-expats-returning-to-uk

“This is totally unacceptable”, she said, and added that she feels angry, sad, stressed, rejected and bitter.

“I feel exiled from my own country. It’s crazy”, she said. “We have always planned on moving back to the UK. It’s important for our children to experience life in both Japan and the UK in order to fully understand who they are, form relationships with both extended families, and have enough language competence in both Japanese and English”.

Hudson said she has no choice but to remain in Japan for the foreseeable future, but hopes that rules might change.

“It’s very depressing not to have the choice to return to my own country when I need to”, she said. “When I married my husband, I never imagined the consequences would be to lose my right to a family life in the UK”, she added.

Questions an American spouse of Brit citizen, with ILR was asked on return from a week's holiday in France. #impertinent #inappropriate #comedygold #whatcenturyisthis #specialrelationship

'I flew from Gatwick airport, England to Nice Airport, France, for my one week holiday with some girlfriends from NYC - We all met there. When I entered France, I handed the immigration officer my American passport, and he stamped me in, and said, 'Bonjour, enjoy your stay.'

'Not ONE question asked. I was not asked how long I was staying, where I was going, if I had a return ticket... Nothing.

'When I returned to the UK, at the same airport I left from, I had an entirely different welcome...

'I walked up to his little tupperware booth, and I handed him my American passport, and my BRP permit, or ILR card, which is proof that I have paid an insane amount of money, and been checked out so deeply that Theresa May has most likely personally sniffed my underwear, and I have been PRE-Approved to be in this country, as the spouse of a British citizen, for as long as I freakin' feel like it, and, THIS IS WHAT I WAS ASKED:

1/ "Do you presently reside in the uk?'

2/ 'Why are you residing in the UK?'

3/ "Is your British spouse travelling with you today?'

4/ 'When did your residency in the UK begin?'

5/ 'When did you receive your BRP card?'

6/ 'How long have you been out of the UK on this trip?'

7/ 'How long have you been out of the UK on other trips since you arrived in the UK as the spouse of a British citizen?'

8/ 'Did your British husband travel with you on those trips?'

9/ 'What are the dates and length of those trips?'

10/ 'Are the two trips to France the only trips you have taken without your British spouse?'

11/ 'Do you spend weekends in the UK with your British spouse?'

12/ 'Where is your British husband now? Is he collecting you?'

13/ 'Why did you travel abroad on two occasions without your British spouse?'

14/ 'Did you travel abroad with someone else?'

15/ "Who did you travel with?'

16/ 'How long have you known them?'

17/ "What is the nature of your relationship with these people?'

18/ 'Are you either physically or romantically involved with any of the people you have been abroad with?'

19/ 'How often do you plan to leave the UK?'

20/ 'Is your British spouse aware that you left the UK?'

21/ 'Are you still residing with your British spouse?'

22/ 'What is the address?'

23/ 'Are you employed?'

24/ 'What is the place of your employment?'

25/ 'Are you carrying anything on this list of prohibited items?'

26/ 'What was the purpose of your trip abroad?'

27/ 'Do you and your British spouse regularly holiday without each other?'

28/ 'We need your fingerprints for the purposes of immigration. Would you please place your fingers on the red line?'

And then, when all was said and done, he said, are your ready... Wait for it...

'Enjoy your visit to the UK.'

My... Visit? My VISIT?! Enjoy my VISIT to the UK?

Um, I live here.

I thought we just established that fact, like, 6 times... ?

How about... WELCOME HOME?

Can they legally ask me all of those questions?

I mean, I guess they can... But, duh, he had half of the information he was asking for in his hands. He had my passport, so he could see when I have left the country, and he had my spouse visa in it, with dates on it, and he had my BRP card...

Grrrr... Nice, huh?

I literally stood there writing them down on my magazine. After each question, he stared at me for like 8 seconds, then he entered the info into his computer, slowly, so I noted down what he asked me while he did that.

1954

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sousveillance

A confused government -  by Sonel Mehta

David Cameron has spent a great deal of public money and time wooing Indian citizens to work and study in the UK; asking them to bring their business, money and skills.  ‘We’re open for business’ he said, in an attempt to allay the concerns, held rightly so, of UK’s unwelcoming attitude towards migrants.  Even where the migrants were temporary (e.g. student visitors) whose impression of UK had already been tainted by the London Met fiasco and tales of international students having to line up overnight to register with the police;  and news of those legally resident here and even our own citizens being sent text messages telling them they were here illegally and therefore must leave!

Just when maybe the UK’s reputation as open for business was seeping through, came the Home office announcement of a £3000 bond for visitors from select countries (including India and unsurprisingly countries which just happen to be all non-“white”).  A policy which so clearly flirts with racial discrimination I’d like to think it has not been thought through – it has become very much a case of one step forward, ten steps back.   Australians are notorious for violating the conditions of their visa, especially those on a working holiday.  I’m Australian myself - I don’t want it to apply to us. But are we spared because we are a “white” country? Hmm.

Even putting aside the issues around liquidity and currency fluctuations associated with such a bond, I question the competence of a government which makes announcements (surely, but surely, Cameron didn’t approve of it) so frequently requiring backtracking and qualification... bedroom tax, landlord checks on migrants, fracking, open source software and even immigration.   Almost as if statements are rushed out to assess their viability based on the media response.

There have since the initial announcement, been murmurs from the government that this policy will only apply to “high-risk visitors”,  in response to outrage from the selected countries including a tit-for-tat policy and accusations of racism.   

As a pick’n’mix policy I don’t see how it could work.  A “high-risk” visitor is unlikely to obtain a visa to enter UK in the first place. If they do manage to do so, £3000 is a small price to stay here illegally.   So will the £3000 bond actually apply to anyone or is it just another disastrous, or successful depending on how you view the net migration target, PR move to deter migrants from coming to the UK?

Just when I thought it couldn’t get worse..that they’d realise the error of their ways, we were greeted with another announcement by the Home Office on their contracting of vans carrying billboards encouraging undocumented migrants to leave the country. How?  Such people must sms a number for information on how to leave the country, else risk facing arrest.  They state that the government ‘could’   (note the use of a conditional word) provide financial help in the return home.    It screams of a government wanting to appear to be tough, rather than one actually having a policy which works; a fair policy with a positive impact on our economy and people.

Those in the UK illegally wishing to return to their home country, could do so easily. There are no exit checks and even if there were, why would they prevent anyone from leaving?  Those wishing to return home are unlikely to wish to flag their situation to the government by sending them an sms.  If they wanted to leave, and wanted help doing so, there was nothing preventing them from going and turning themselves in to the authorities.

I’m just bemused.  I'm curious to see what information is provided to people who respond, but if I send an SMS to this number will I be hounded on how I must leave the country or risk facing arrest? Will UKBA officers turn up at my door (my phone is registered to my home address) even though I am a British citizen?  Would those who use the number constantly need to be wary of a tap on the shoulder? Surely, if they send an sms they’re just alerting the authorities to their presence here, which they could easily do by turning themselves in, if they really wanted to leave? Does compliance with this prevent the 10 year ban overstayers are threatened with? Would it not be worth just waiting out for the amnesty after 20 years residence, be it legal or illegal?

What is the Home Office thinking with this strategy, or is it just that they have such an exceedingly high budget they’re looking to supplement the splurging of appealing judicial decisions to overturn UKBA visa refusals, where the rules are found to be onerous or applied illegally, by now wasting our money on moving billboards reminiscent of 1984?

Jay & Alberto

“We just want to live our lives together..without interference from the state..”

Jay is a British citizen. He is in love with Alberto, from Brazil. They met in the summer of 2012, when Jay was travelling to South America for holiday and adventure. As luck would have it, on the third day of his trip, he met Alberto – a meeting which would go on to affect his entire life.

There was instantly something between them. Itineraries were amended to maximise time together. They both knew they were in love and had found something special together. Jay asked Alberto to be with him permanently, to marry him and to live with him in London. Jay naively thought the process would be straightforward. He left Alberto in Brazil and returned to UK. As Jay had been travelling he didn’t have a salary nor any savings. So they decided to wait for a few months so they could save up, before applying for the proposed civil partnership six month visa.

They managed to get together the huge amount of documentation required for the application. They filed the application in February 2013, and waited. In May we finally received a response. Due to an error, Alberto had not sat the complete English test. He had scored almost 90% in the reading and listening test but had not sat the speaking and writing side. Alberto’s high score and their obvious communication in English was not sufficient enough.

This was heartbreaking and stressful following such a long wait. Jay immediately booked a flight to go and be with Alberto. They had been apart too long already. They had lost the huge application fee and were not given the opportunity to be able to prove Alberto’s level of English.

Alberto decided to visit the UK before returning to Brazil for the re-application. Brazilians normally don’t need a visa to enter the UK for visits up to six months, however because he had been refused a visa already, they were advised to apply for one. However, in a catch 22, they were refused the visit visa anyway, because they had lready been refused the earlier visa! This was incredibly frustrating. That someone could decide Alberto would overstay his visit because he had had a refusal. Why after trying to do things legally and correct would he want to be in the UK illegally? It didn’t make sense.

So now they’re going to reapply for the proposed civil partnership visa – another £900. It is upsetting at the length of time they’ve had to be apart. Alberto still has not met Jay’s family after over a year of their being together. Alberto and Jay’s grandmother were never able to meet each other.

Jay is a hard-working tax-payer. He exceeds the financial requirements, yet finds the process difficult.

Jay has never claimed any benefits. He has a good job and Alberto is a talented graphic designer who should also be able to find work in the UK and pay taxes. With no recourse to public funds.

All this couple wants is to start their lives together, build a home, have a family, contribute to society and the economy and lead the lives they want together – without interference from the state. There should not be so many obstacles in the way.

No recourse to public funds - as seen in fiance, spouse and civil partner visas.

Jay and Alberto

Upcoming BritCits London meetup, Royal Festival Hall, Sunday 4th August : http://www.meetup.com/BritCits/

Time to plan next steps and just show solidarity. Be there if you can be.

---
Hope for families divided by income threshold.

http://www.freemovement.org.uk/2013/07/22/hope-for-families-divided-by-the-income-threshold/

Following the adjournment application being considered and refused, the hearing proceeded and was allowed on the spot.  My clients and I were indeed very grateful to the guidance set in MM (summarised here http://www.freemovement.org.uk/2013/07/05/high-court-finds-minimum-income-rules-disproportionate-and-unjustified/ on Free Movement) and this case presented a straight forward example of how to apply Mr Justice Blake’s guidance.  As mentioned above, the couple were minimally short of the £18,600 and well over the minimum wage annual income of just over £13,000.  Importantly the sponsor was also a British citizen.
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Roma immigrants help clear up Derby's streets.

http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Roma-immigrants-help-clean-Derby-s-streets/story-19524440-detail/story.html#axzz2ZIRWlaYn
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Being Romanian – or British – doesn't protect ethnic minorities from discrimination.

http://www.runnymedetrust.org/news/490/272/Being-Romanian-or-British-doesn-t-protect-ethnic-minorities-from-discrimination.html

Anti-discrimination and equality legislation has been passed in the UK and across the world to ensure the promise of democracy is a reality for disadvantaged groups. In particular, anti-racist and migrant rights organisations have highlighted and worked to challenge how ethnic minorities have been denied full participation in democratic societies, including in Europe.

Among other institutions, the criminal justice system has often been unable to treat ethnic minorities justly, with cases such as Stephen Lawrence and Trayvon Martin reminding us of the continuing effects of racism, while the practice of Stop and Search disproportionately affects Black and minority ethnic people.

Across Europe, the Roma are particularly vulnerable to such abuse. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this has led to a specific European strategy to improve the lives of Roma across the continent. Romania is only one of the countries that European Roma Rights centre views as failing to treat Roma equally and fairly, highlighting what is calls ‘the Romanian State’s failure to comply with several European Court of Human Rights judgments against Romania in cases of anti-Roma pogroms'.
---

https://twitter.com/MigrantVoiceUK :
The world we live in RT“@erinluhmann: This 100-year-old refugee tells me her story:
http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/20/three-days-in-a-refugee-camp/
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Release of footage of distressed asylum seekers angers advocates.

Immigration department releases pictures showing refugees after they were told they would not be able to settle in Australia.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/22/release-footage-distressed-asylum-seekers
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Documenting the Roma people for Amnesty International.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Roma_Daily_News/message/19989

EU Family Route: What is Surinder Singh route?

http://www.crossborderlegal.co.uk/content/eu-family-route-what-is-surinder-singh-route

... Last year, 9th July 2012, the Home Office introduced major changes to family migration rules. Most notable of those changes was the income threshold  (18,600 p.a.), which was set so high that it is reported that 47% of British people would not qualify to live with their spouse, if their spouse were a non-EEA national.

What is depressing about this rule, is not only the lack of a common sense approach by the Secretary of State, by failing to consider the non-EU spouses earning capacity (it doesn’t matter if the spouse is a surgeon and would get a job here with ease), but the fact that they only apply to Brits and not to EU nationals in the UK. In other words if you’re an EU national, say French or Polish, you are allowed to marry and stay with anyone from around the world with no financial requirements or proof of accommodation necessary. To get around this financial requirement, some people have been choosing to apply instead for an EU family permit...

A good summary.

Caution : The recent immigration rules have left many couples with no option but to leave their country or look for alternative options. This route is one of the popular options at the moment but please be warned it is not for everyone. 

Mirrored copy of Surinder Singh original judgement : http://www.scribd.com/doc/155066647/Surinder-Singh-Original-1992-Judgement

Bethan & Winston

“I have a first class degree, will complete my Masters from LSE and my husband is a qualified lawyer. Yet we face separation or selfexile. It’s ridiculous.”

Bethan is a British citizen. She has been in a relationship with Winston, her now fiancé since 2008  Winston is a Mexican citizen. They met whilst Winston was doing his study abroad in the UK.

They have sustained their relationship through regular visits to each other – Bethan also did a study abroad living in Mexico.

Winston proposed in December 2012 and they have since been planning their August 2014 wedding, however UK’s immigration rules have put a damper on things.

Bethan is currently studying for an MSc in Global Politics at London School of Economics, graduating in December 2013. Winston is already working as a lawyer in Mexico. However, Winston cannot join Bethan as her fiancé as being a full time student, she doesn’t earn £18,600 (not many students do).

They have discussed living in Mexico but the security situation in Northern Mexico, where Winston is from, is dire due to the 'drug wars'. There are also significant problems with corruption leading to an environment which neither of them believe is ideal for settling down in and starting their family.

In order to avoid being apart post-marriage, they are now being forced to consider having a civil ceremony about a year before their wedding in order for Bethan to exercise her treaty rights and move to Ireland with Winston to minimise the chance they will need to be apart post-wedding.

Bethan has a first class undergraduate degree and will be graduating with a Masters from one of the top universities in the world. Winston is a fully qualified lawyer, with a degree from one of the best universities in Mexico. This couple has a lot to offer the UK.

It is ridiculous that they could be prevented from doing so, or be forced to have a period of separation as newlyweds just so Bethan has a chance to collection 6 months of payslips followed by a further lengthy period apart during the application. It’s just as ridiculous that the only way this couple can ensure they are not forced apart is by engaging in a period of self-exile.

Friend backs Haywards Heath dad’s deportation battle with Home Office.

http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/10558315.Friend_backs_Haywards_Heath_dad___s_deportation_battle_with_Home_Office/

A friend and former colleague of a father-of-three who faces deportation has spoken in support of his campaign to stay in the country.

Phil Sommerville is waiting for a second appeal into a Home Office decision to deport him to Australia – leaving behind his British wife Isabel and their three children.

http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/izzy

Isabel : 'The system is failing my family, it's failing your family. These are desperate times. My children need their daddy. I need my husband.' -
http://www.jcwi.org.uk/blog/2013/07/16/divided-families-campaign-video

Family life is a right not a privilege - Facebook campaign

https://www.facebook.com/FamilyLifeIsARightNotAPrivilege

'Hello my name is Natalie Gharbi this is my page and here is my story...

'In December 2011 I met my husband. We spent my 2 weeks holiday together, even meeting his family and when I arrived home we talked everyday. We had an instant connection.

'I later went on to book a holiday and spent one week - just me and him and got to know each other further. After this I had my final interview with my employer - a travel agent - and went to Palma Nova for a week of training in April 2012

'After this I flew to Tunisia to work my summer. During this time i fell pregnant unexpectedly but we were both really happy. Due to illness i had to cut my summer short, returning in september.

'I gave birth to our daughter in January. He was unable to be by my side and he missed the first 10 weeks of her life.

'We spent 5 weeks as a family and we got married in April 2013. I am now back home working Monday to Friday with my daughter in full time nursery.

'I do not meet the income requirements as I earn just over minimum wage and my salary is just under 13k a year. This is causing me lot of stress as I can't work back in tunisia as I worked over 50 hours starting 9-9 some days. I worked 5.5days a week and this would mean no time as a family. The only real jobs in Tunisia are summer with tour operators and the hours are very long. And here in the UK I am stopped by the visa rules..

'This is causing a lot of stress and strain on our marriage. My daughter 25 weeks thinks my laptop and phone is where Daddy is. We will not be traveling to see him until August 31st for 2 weeks due to work.'

Roseline Akhalu's hearing at the Upper Tribunal

http://vimeo.com/70659555

Facebook support group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/315098168561449/?hc_location=stream

https://twitter.com/compassion4rose

Previous post : http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/the-trials-of-roseline-akhalu-httpwww.html

'Why is the Home Office continuing this cruel and ludicrous campaign? It seems the department is concerned about growing case law that would facilitate health tourism. Under the present laws it is acceptable to deport someone even if they’ll become terminally ill on arrival in a new country, and this is why Rose’s case has been argued under Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights: a right to a private and family life.  But this is an exceptional case: is the fight against case law really worth a human being’s life, not to mention the massive legal cost? And as representatives from the National Kidney Foundation have said, donors would think their efforts were a waste of time if a recipient was allowed to die.'

Anthony & Appril

Anthony is a 60 year old British citizen. He is married to Appril, a 54 year old Bolivian woman.

They love each other very much; Anthony lived with her in Bolivia for two years. They met in 2008 and married in September 2010 in La Paz, Bolivia. At the time Anthony had a very good job in the UK, with a salary of £35,000 p.a.

He proposed to Appril before he lost his employment (Appril has British ancestry but from her great grandparents - too far back to be eligible for citizenship). Despite losing his employment they decided to go ahead with the wedding as Anthony was confident he would soon find employment by June 2009. He applied for over 1000 jobs – flexible in location as he just wanted his wife with him.

Unfortunately, he didn’t even get one job interview. As a result of this both Appril and Anthony thought it best for them to start their married life together in Bolivia.

Anthony has very few relations in the UK. His mother, aged 99, gave Anthony her blessing to move to Bolivia. Even though he is her only visitor from one year to the next at the nursing home. Anthony felt guilty leaving her, however he did ring her every week from Bolivia.

Anthony spent the happiest two years of his life with Appril and gained Bolivian residency and permission to look for employment within that country. However once again he found job search difficult; much of the employment in Bolivia is family run and employs family members only. Apart from his mother, Anthony has two sons in the UK from who he is estranged.

Anthony returned to the UK in June 2011 looking for employment before the implementation of the minimum wage requirement of £18600 to be able to bring a spouse into the UK. He tried his level best to find employment - alas still without success, applying for all types of jobs at all levels.

Appril and Anthony have been apart for over two years now. He is lonely despite their staying in touch via Skype and phone.

They are prepared to reside in almost any country in the world to be together. Anthony would love Appril to join him in the UK although he is happy to permanently or temporarily move to another country; he is happy to even have a job washing dishes.

Yet another citizen who may need to leave his home for good to be with his family.

The Last of England, Ford Madox-Brown - http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/the-last-of-england-and-britcits-meetup.html

https://twitter.com/MandaKasravi :
Arranging a #Britcits #meetup in #Glasgow on the 7th August for anyone who wants to come along, to discuss new rules.
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https://twitter.com/19pst :
Superman is an immigrant: http://huff.to/15jod5u  lives and hopes of undocumented Americans via@joseiswriting
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Life in transit: What is it like to live in an airport?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-23350294

This weekend, the US whistleblower Edward Snowden, will have spent four weeks in Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport. Two thousand miles away, in neighbouring Kazakhstan, a young man has already spent four months in the transit area of an airport - and admits it is driving him round the bend.
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https://twitter.com/MBEGriffiths :
How can the Home Office run a story about 'Illegal Romanian migrants' in London? Am i missing something?
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/illegal-romanian-migrants-sleeping-rough-cleared-from-londons-marble-arch

https://twitter.com/MBEGriffiths :
Unbelievable! I cld imagine them spinning it in a way that suggests illegality, but actually stating it, categorically?!

https://twitter.com/MigrantVoiceUK :
@ukhomeoffice what is a 'illegal' Romanian? Hope you don't mean Roma!
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https://twitter.com/uk_immigration :
Blanket migration laws threaten the thriving Tech City startup scene http://shar.es/kpmsu 
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https://twitter.com/19pst :
Brilliant: finding belonging - and a truly multi community - via boxing!
http://spitalfieldslife.com/2013/07/11/bill-judd-boxer/
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https://twitter.com/19pst :
RIP Bert Trautmann. Iron Cross. OBE. FA Cup Final. @MCFC legend. Defied prejudice with an open heart, an open mind, and the power of sport.

The latest BritCits pack is online. 

http://www.scribd.com/doc/154586159/BritCits-July-2013

I'll also be blogging the stories at britcits.com and tweeting at https://twitter.com/sjplep over the coming weeks.

Cases are wide & varied; a son earning over £100,000 unable to sponsor parents due to rules deemed a ban masquerading as a rule; a young mum with a second chance at love is forced to choose between kids from a previous relationship who the law prevents leaving UK shores, and her husband overseas; a gay mum with twins unable to return to UK to have her civil partner’s status recognised for the security of their babies; debt-free pensioners forced into working for income they don’t need; armed forces personnel who risked their life for our freedom being denied a right to their own family file; British ex-pats wishing to return to look after British parents find barriers to entry are too high with a non-EU spouse or child in tow.

We encounter Skype families trying to conquer long-distance & time-differences through a screen; Brits forced into exile - some with an intention to return under Surinder Singh route, others so disenchanted they’ve sold up & moved away for good. There’s women postponing having kids lest it be without their spouse by their side or in a country with poor health & education facilities; awful news stories of women having abortions to continue to earn a salary needed to sponsor their spouse. We come across a few unfortunate cases where the relationship hasn’t survived the upheaval & stress from rules designed to keep family apart. Where the cases fall clearly within the rules, UKBA mysteriously loses documents or the file is tucked away to join the rest of the backlog.

This pack brings you face to face with the victims of these rules – survivors - fighting loudly for their rights.

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BritCits bulletin

This is the latest update that has been shared with our mailing list.  The BritCits bulletins are authored by Sonel, who tweets at https://twitter.com/BritCits

What an ice-cream filled summer it's turned into..may it last as long as our winter did!

Pack

All your stories should be in the pack now, attached. Corrections, updates, photos and more stories welcome for the August version.

Bristol
Anyone in Bristol - a group there is very keen to hear your story. You may have already been contacted by Steve or myself..it's important you do respond to these calls as we don't have enough time to keep chasing. Having the opportunity to have your story shared and raise awareness is priceless so snatch the chances when you can.

Children's Commissioner
Children's Commissioner for England has contacted us to say they now have sufficient emails from families affected by the rules, and don't need any more.  Please therefore refrain from sending them your story if you haven't done so already.

I would still recommend getting in touch with the corresponding organisations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland if you are from these regions.

EEA route

More and more, members are asking about the EEA route.  BritCits is not qualified to give afvice, however we are happy to direct you to areas where you can get the information and I am also happy to share my own experience with you.  However it is important you do your own research and get professional advice where needed.

I found this useful for Ireland..there must be similar sites from other countries. 
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving_country/moving_to_ireland/rights_of_residence_in_ireland/residence_rights_eu_national.html

For you to use your rights as an EU citizen to return to the UK with non-EEA family members, you need to use the Surinder Singh route. 

On your return to the UK, you use the EEA2 residence card form: More info here, sec 2.14  http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/policyandlaw/guidance/ecg/eun/eun2/

Wish you the best of luck..if there's anything else you need you may also find this page on FB useful:  EU FREE MOVEMENT DIRECTIVE/2004/38/C  and our website: www.britcits.com  contains information as well as the sharing of experience from rentals to job hunting; mobile phones to supermarkets.

Meetups

Meetups are regularly organised to allow meeting of others affected by the rules, brainstorming of ideas on best ways to raise awareness and drive change etc. Largely informal and it helps to put faces to the names in the pack and FB pages.  Kids are welcome!    The next two are scheduled as below:

Meetup on Saturday 20th July in Manchester, 1130am (near Manchester Piccadilly..contact us for exact location if you will be attending).

Meetup on Sunday 4th August in London, midday (Southbank, nearest stations: Waterloo, Blackfriars)

You can register for these at http://www.meetup.com/BritCits/
 

Take care and please continue to lobby your MPs so they can represent you in parliament again, come September and return from summer recess.  In the meantime, keep on the sunscreen and dont forget the hats.
Sonel