2.23.2009 rage

Since nobody is around to listen to me pontificate, y'all get to witness a flash of my rage!

Recent suggested "improvements" to UK immigration policy have included limiting foreign workers access to the NHS - despite the fact that we have no other recourse to public funds and pay massive taxes. And in the case of us Americans, we are required to pay in both countries, forever and ever.

The NHS policy change is idiotic given current administrative controls. Our health system, while superb compared to the states, is unable to keep track of basic records - let alone maintain tiered billing systems.

Now? The Home Secretary suggested that families may be kept out unless wives (and the word 'wife' was invoked rather than 'spouse') and other dependants are actively employed. Something like "be a good parent" or "attend school" would not count.

Do you want to know what an immigrant looks like? How about: all of my world-class academic pals, across numerous disciplines. The scientists and economists bringing innovation and energy to a stagnant economy. The health care and social services workers and teachers that this country has proved unable to educate, train, and retain.

People in the 'highly skilled' category are generally required to prove that nobody else can do their job. They also need a corporate or similar sponsor. Yet they won't be allowed to bring their families unless they can meet some arbitrary other standard? Oh?

How exactly are children, for instance, supposed to prove they contribute? My kid routinely scores in the top 1% of scholastic aptitude and achievement. Does that count for or against? If current trends hold, he will be resented for taking up the spot in the school system that some imaginary British child might have taken.

If he were more ordinary, earning (as most British children do) mediocre grades, would he be denied entry?

Or how about me. I'm highly educated, but self-employed. What are my contributions worth?

Clearly, not enough.

Fine.

I could have moved anywhere in the world, and the same is true of all my professional friends. If the UK wants to introduce flagrantly stupid new rules, know what? We will leave.

share: facebook|stumbleupon|twitter