ON THE STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN IMMIGRATION RULES (HC 974):
Some initial thoughts on the framework of the strategy:
Firstly, points of reference (PoR) of the framework should be established. A draft is given below for discussion:
[1] Need a summary of current situation and a communication mechanism (especially key dates!)
[2] Form coalition with other nationals.
[3] Agree on a common and realistic goal and make it the Charter of the coalition.
[4] Continue to lobby through political channels.
[5] Meanwhile draw media attention through demonstration.
[6] Lastly but maybe MOST importantly, prepare for the law case if all above fail!
[7] Even if all efforts fail, we shall still keep the coalition and develop it into a longer term organisation for future battles.
More detailed thoughts on each point of reference (PoR) is given below.
HOWEVER, AT THIS STAGE, TO ESTABLISH AND AGREE ON THE THE PoR FOR THE STRATEGY IS PERHAPS MORE IMPORTANT THAN DEATILS.
[1] A summary of current situation:
a-major progress made to date (by all people);(I was wondering how is law case preparation supported and publicised by the
www.SaynotoHo.org.uk going ?)
b-all organisations that have got involved;
c-major problems;
d-key dates!
e-statistics on number of petition made and MP contacted;
f- Summary of current position/reply from the Home Office.
[2] Form coalition with other nationals
a-find key contacts of each nation (maybe through the
www.immigrationboards.com website)
b-have a meeting
c-establish communication method
d-key dates
[3] Agree on a common and realist goal and make it the charter of the coalition.
(We shall be careful not to be involved into other mine fields such as illegal immigration issue. See what Justice for Fathers has done? It became too extreme and disintegrated! We need rationales!)
a - Personally I think our goal should be to make the change of the rule NOT retrospective!
b – Rationales for making the case:
[4] Continue to lobby through political channels.
a - establish a network that covers as many constituency as possible.
b - Find the list of MPs and develop a table to target them one by one. Tick those who have been contacted and publish those who haven't until all of them receive either email or letter from us. (It is difficult to have Surgery if you are not living in the Mp's constituency, but sending letters/email should be alright. If not, we need to find a solution. The aim should be to contact all MPs)
c- Need some thoughts on SMPs (Scottish parliament members). This is because Scotland launched Fresh Talent Programme, which in the light of this change of immigration rules from the HO, looks strange! So maybe SMPs can pay a role too, but not sure.
[5] Meanwhile draw media attention through demonstration.
(Warning: A lot of technical problem to thing of on this one. Again, need to be careful on this!!!!)
a - I guess we don't have a very large body of people (hundreds? thousands? need the statistics on home many people got PR by WP or HSMP each year in the past).
b - So, scale is not our advantage.
c - But, we can have well-planned long lasting small scale protest. We could have say up to 10 people every weekend to demonstrate in London (location to be considered) in a weekly rota. In this way, we create and keep our presents without getting very tired! We need to persistent. AND Cautious!
[6] Lastly but maybe MOST importantly, prepare for the law case of all above fail!
a- how many lawyers have expressed interest in taking up the case, if any?
b- would need to think about money, time and effort to input I suppose
c- need more contacts.
d- an idea: publish an AD on Guardian to look for Lawyers and meanwhile send the protesting message out. This will have cost implications of course, but it should be worth it, for a good lawyer, and for public attention!
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I AM FROM A CHINESE COMMUNITY, COULD PEOPLE FROM OTHER COUNTRIES RESPOND PLEASE?
Sorry for all the wrong spellings/grammar, life is too short!
Got to go! Speak to you later, maybe tonight.
SEAN