Controversial immigration rules are dividing opinion — and families

30 August 2013

Thousands of families stand to be torn apart as a power struggle rages on between the UK government and courts.In the latest conflict between the coalition and the judges, over 15,000 families face being separated by government policy. The Home Office is appealing this summer’s High Court judgment, which found new immigration rules on partners and children joining their families in the UK breach basic human rights.

Last month (5 July), three families won a judicial review of new immigration rules which required British citizens and refugees to earn at least £18,600 if they want to bring a non-European partner into the UK, rising to £22,400 if a partner and child are coming, plus £2,400 for each additional child.