Workers face curb on bringing foreign-born spouses to UK

[alp227]

Source: The Guardian

Up to half the working population of Britain are to be banned from bringing a foreign-born wife or husband into the country under proposals being considered by the Home Office.

The government's migration advisory committee has recommended that those wishing to bring a spouse or child to live in Britain on a family visa should have a minimum salary before tax of between £18,700 and £25,700 to ensure they are not a burden on the state.

David Cameron first raised the idea in a speech on immigration last month, when he said more than 70% of UK-based sponsors of family visas had post-tax earnings of less than £20,000 a year.

"When the income level of the sponsor is this low, there is an obvious risk that the migrants and their family will become a significant burden on the welfare system and the taxpayer," the prime minister said.

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/nov/16/workers-face-curb-foreign-born-spouses-uk

[queenjane]

1. Other countries already have these requirements

For example, one of our doctors married an American woman, and before he could take her back to The Netherlands, his home country, he had to prove he would have x amount of income in order to support her so she wouldn't be a burden.

[pampango]

2. Just a committee proposal. Would mostly affect "women from India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh."

Would also only affect low-income workers, not well-off ones. We'll see how a proposal that primarily affects low-income people of color fairs in parliament if it gets that far.

Didn't realize that "the US ranks third in the list of countries of origin of family visas". Sounds it won't affect family visas for US citizens since "it is thought most sponsors would qualify under the new salary thresholds."

[alp227]

4. Interesting how welfare states generally don't want poor immigrants.

I've heard Michele Bachmann and other cons saying that immigrants can come to America only if they don't burden the social safety net (but they'll never discuss the downside of CORPORATE welfare). Do you agree with such policy?

[LittleGirl]

3. That's the rule here folks

I had to prove that I could support him (if he couldn't find employment here) while we were getting his green card approved. And as a backup, we had his sister (who is also living in CA) to be his co-sponsor as well.

[Nihil]

5. Good. (n/t)

:applause: