FAMILIES are being ripped apart because the Home Office refuses to let mums and dads join their children and spouses in the UK.
This is the conclusion of a damning report released yesterday by the Children’s Commissioner for England. The report states that at least 15,000 children are separated from a parent because of rules which discriminate against poorer families.
The rules apply to anyone living outside of the EU who wants to come and join their partner and children in the UK. Since 2012, immigration rules have barred the entry of spouses from outside the European Union unless their British partner meets the minimum income threshold.
Unless their British spouse earns over £18,600 a year, they will not even be considered by the Home Office for immigration to the UK. This figure is at least £5,000 higher than the minimum wage, meaning that most working class people have no chance of uniting their families.
Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield said the UK was creating ‘Skype families’ who have been forced apart by these rules. Longfield said the policy has created families in which children could speak to one of their parents only online ‘leading to suffering and distress’.
A spokesperson for Migrant Rights Network told News Line yesterday: ‘Everyone who has been separated from their children and loved ones hopes that the government will agree to fully review these rules in the light of this evidence from the Children’s Commissioner.
‘These rules are hugely damaging to families and children. We are calling for these rules to be scrapped. Everyone should be allowed to bring their spouse over regardless of how much they earn. All we are asking is for families to be able to live together.’
