Would the Home Secretary's family have been separated under his new regulation?
In an announcement made on Monday, December 4, Home Secretary James Cleverly unveiled a set of new immigration rules, causing widespread confusion and distress among international couples. The changes, part of what Downing Street has dubbed the "biggest clampdown on legal migration ever," have raised questions about potential family separations.
Under Cleverly's plan, British citizens seeking to bring their non-UK partners into the country will face more stringent requirements. The minimum income threshold for the sponsoring British citizen has been raised from £18,600 to £38,700 per year for the first application. This means that a British citizen must earn this salary for six months before applying for their partner's visa.
The impact of these changes has drawn attention to the personal circumstances of figures such as James Cleverly himself. Cleverly's mother, a foreign-born NHS worker, would have faced challenges under the new rules. She was born in Sierra Leone and moved to the UK in 1960, where she met Cleverly's father.
James Cleverly on the platform X Jan 9, 2020
Previously, under the £18,600 income requirement, thousands of families experienced exile or separation from loved ones for extended periods. The new rules add a layer of complexity.
Under the updated rules, if someone does not meet the income criteria, they may still be allowed to bring in family members if they can demonstrate sufficient savings. The current savings threshold is £62,500, but the government is considering whether to increase this amount.
Legal experts and advocacy groups have raised alarms about the potential consequences of these changes, emphasising the confusion and distress faced by many international families. The impact on families and relationships remains a central concern, as the Sunak government reinforces draconian measures against immigration, confirming the PM's priorities.