So, that Yarl's Wood problem....
Every time I come across an article saying "locking up women and children who haven't actually been convicted of any crime and treating them like shit is a really bad thing to do, guys", the commentors immediately spew vile hate about the filthy illegal immigrants taking their money on benefits, etc etc.
How about a solution, eh? One that doesn't involved treating little kids like hardened convicts?
I propose this. When a family enters the country seeking to stay, it is allowed to behave as any other British family- providing it commits no crimes. A temporary visa is granted for one year, so that members of the family may work, be educated, and adapt to British life while their application is being considered. Once a week, in a time that suits their working schedule so as not to conflict with employment or education, a designated member of the family reports to a local office just to show that they haven't run away and aren't attempting to disappear. If their application for residency or asylum has not been processed by the end of this full year, then it's *our* fault for not having a functional system, and they get to stay. If their application is granted, they get to stay. If the application is not granted, they will be given notice that they are to be deported, and will be given assistance with tying up things like remaining rent, transferring any savings to accounts in their original country, etc. The family will be allowed to stay in their home until such time as they leave the country. If the UKBA fails to secure transport out of the UK to a safe spot within the country of origin but the family's tenancy on their home has already been terminated, it is up to the UKBA to provide suitable alternative accommodation until the family is able to leave.
*Only* if the family vanishes without notice, or fails to turn up for three consecutive weekly meetings without any attempt at explanation (allowing for illness or incapacity), should there be any detainment. And if there is to be detainment, it will be for a period of no longer than one month prior to the family actually being on a plane out- during which time children will be given full and proper schooling, families will not be split up, random raids will not be carried out, and people will not be treated like scum. Upheld complaints about treatment will result in the family returning to its normal home while a full investigation is carried out, and conditions in any facility that may detain people will be frequently checked by independent bodies such as Amnesty International or other prominent human rights groups. That way we can all see that no one is being abused, and the only restriction is on movement in the short period immediately prior to deportment. And that restriction is *only* if there is a fully documented legal reason to worry about them fleeing to avoid being deported.
No more dawn raids on houses, grabbing kids, seperating them from their parents, not allowing them time to pack. No more families spending months or even years in places like Yarl's Wood. And it'll be a damn sight cheaper than the current situation, since the few instances of detainment will only for a short time- the rest of the time, our potential immigrants will be out and contributing to the community they hope to join. No more Serco.
How about a solution, eh? One that doesn't involved treating little kids like hardened convicts?
I propose this. When a family enters the country seeking to stay, it is allowed to behave as any other British family- providing it commits no crimes. A temporary visa is granted for one year, so that members of the family may work, be educated, and adapt to British life while their application is being considered. Once a week, in a time that suits their working schedule so as not to conflict with employment or education, a designated member of the family reports to a local office just to show that they haven't run away and aren't attempting to disappear. If their application for residency or asylum has not been processed by the end of this full year, then it's *our* fault for not having a functional system, and they get to stay. If their application is granted, they get to stay. If the application is not granted, they will be given notice that they are to be deported, and will be given assistance with tying up things like remaining rent, transferring any savings to accounts in their original country, etc. The family will be allowed to stay in their home until such time as they leave the country. If the UKBA fails to secure transport out of the UK to a safe spot within the country of origin but the family's tenancy on their home has already been terminated, it is up to the UKBA to provide suitable alternative accommodation until the family is able to leave.
*Only* if the family vanishes without notice, or fails to turn up for three consecutive weekly meetings without any attempt at explanation (allowing for illness or incapacity), should there be any detainment. And if there is to be detainment, it will be for a period of no longer than one month prior to the family actually being on a plane out- during which time children will be given full and proper schooling, families will not be split up, random raids will not be carried out, and people will not be treated like scum. Upheld complaints about treatment will result in the family returning to its normal home while a full investigation is carried out, and conditions in any facility that may detain people will be frequently checked by independent bodies such as Amnesty International or other prominent human rights groups. That way we can all see that no one is being abused, and the only restriction is on movement in the short period immediately prior to deportment. And that restriction is *only* if there is a fully documented legal reason to worry about them fleeing to avoid being deported.
No more dawn raids on houses, grabbing kids, seperating them from their parents, not allowing them time to pack. No more families spending months or even years in places like Yarl's Wood. And it'll be a damn sight cheaper than the current situation, since the few instances of detainment will only for a short time- the rest of the time, our potential immigrants will be out and contributing to the community they hope to join. No more Serco.