Tougher UK immigration laws for foreign brides

August 04 2009 by Rebekah Nahai

Hard times for wives who move to UK

Up to 80,000 immigrants who settle permanently in the UK after marrying a British citizen, have prompted political reform against the abuse of state benefits.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson has unveiled plans this week to ban foreign wives from permanent residency unless they demonstrate effort to integrate into UK culture.

Many of these women come from rural and illiterate areas in India and Pakistan. They move to the UK as wives of British citizens and fail to learn English or integrate into the culture. Yet the state provides them with welfare benefits, and they receive the same rights after having children as immigrants who have lived here for decades.

The government aims to crack down on immigrants who move to the UK to seek benefits but fail to contribute.

A government source said: “They are getting state benefits, and in some cases that is the only reason they come here, or are brought here. We have to put a stop to it.

“We hope that once we make it clear that getting into Britain does not mean they can milk the benefits system without lifting a finger, it will deter such people from coming.

“We want people who are committed to being British and playing a full part in our society.”

The Home Office also hopes to diffuse racial tensions for future generations by keeping out immigrants who do not demonstrate commitment to British values.

“We want to stop the ghettoisation of cities like Bradford and Blackburn. It has inflamed racial tensions and led to alienated young Muslim kids being preyed on by Islamist extremists. We all know what tragic consequences that can have,” said the source.

The move corresponds with proposals for tougher UK immigration controls through rigorous points-based immigration criteria.

New points-based system criteria will also apply to foreign wives who want to obtain permanent residency. Women will earn points for learning English, performing volunteer work, and enrolling their children in local schools.

They will be considered ‘probationary citizens’ for the first five years they live in the UK, and will not be eligible for benefits during that time. They may then take a citizenship test to earn a UK passport. If they fail, they will remain ineligible for welfare, and can either retake the test or leave the country.

The plan is a part of the Labour party’s plan to assure the public it is taking control of the excessive surge in UK immigrants.

Damian Green, Tory immigration spokesman, said: “The most effective way of cracking down on people who abuse the marriage rules for immigration is to crack down on them before they come here. Our proposal would have far more impact in ensuring that anyone who comes here is ready to be fully active in British life.”

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