MP1 email to my MP

Wrote an email to my MP, Ben Wallace, in Lancaster on 2/10/07 -- no reply yet

Dear XXXXXX,
I'd like to raise the issue of immigration, which is a current government hot topic.

The government issued a RETROSPECTIVE change in immigration rules, in April 2007, regarding the issue of Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement) visas on the basis of Long Residence, which I believe is unfair.

Previously we could apply after 10y continuous residence, barring deportation, criminal records etc.

Nowadays we can only apply after 10y continuous residence, however the continuity is broken upon leaving the country (even a short 7 days) without a valid prospective visa. During this short break, I had a guaranteed job but no paperwork yet, so I could not apply for an extension before the visa had run out.

This new rule was imposed in April 2007, I'm not sure whether there has been a proper consultation with the relevant parties, and with no proper contingency for people who have been caught out (like me) but who have never used this country's funds.

As you may have guessed, my application was refused in August 2007 because of these short breaks.

I am only 5 months away from becoming a GP and I will be very sorry to have to leave this country at the end of my visa.

Had I known about this change in rule I would certainly have made arrangements a long time ago.

Would you be able to look into this for me?

Yours sincerely,

Dr XXXXX
MBChB Manchester 2003