Advocacy

As the Borders Bill is awaiting Lords and the Illegal Working consultation is underway, UK-Yankeeİ is expressing concern over the many biometric controls included within each.

Most worrying is the possibility for electronic tagging of legal immigrants and their British spouses, particularly as it is unclear under just what circumstances it might be applied. It is not sufficient to state that a person could be tagged if it were thought necessary. Before the Borders Bill clears Lords, it is hoped that at the very least this would be further defined to keep the power from being used irresponsibly.
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UK-Yankeeİ, a non-partisan, web-based organization of more than 5000 members, primarily North Americans either legally settled in or in the process of immigrating to the UK has issued an advisory for Americans planning to travel to the UK over the summer holidays.

UK-Yankee strives to provide solid advice to those seeking entry through normal visitors routes as well as various student, work or spousal visas.

This months advisory states "ultimately, it is up to the individual Immigration Officer if you will be allowed into the UK if you are traveling without a visa. We recommend you bring bank statements for proof of funds and a letter or contract from your employer showing you are expected back at work during the appropriate time frame. Apartment leases or the like may also be used to prove your ties to the US."

The changing laws and new biometric controls being put in place may take many by surprise. This advisory is meant to clear up any confusion about the new systems in various testing phases right now and how they will affect the summer traveler.

More information can be found at www.uk-yankee.com and this advisory is located at [url]http://www.uk-yankee.com/articles/advocacy.php?itemid=76[/url]

UK Yankeeİ advises all Americans who have been issued Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK to take note of the rules surrounding this visa.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) can be granted to a spouse after the completion of a two-year probationary visa, or to a work-permit holder after 5 years of continuous residence. Dependents are normally included in the application and receive ILR at the same time as the primary applicant. Obtaining ILR is a big step in the settlement process because it removes all barriers to employment opportunities and provides access to the benefits and tax advantages open to British citizens.
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