News, Events & Publications
Press releases Please see a list of our press releases - to read or download these, click on the corresponding link. 'Racist attacks in South Belfast' - to view the press release, click here 'Spate of racist incidents in Moygashel and Cookstown' - click here 'Roma families depart Belfast' - click here Latest news on the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act The Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill has been passed into law. It was introduced into the House of Lords in January 2009, with amendments, and passed by the House of Commons in July 2009, with amendments. The House of Lords agreed to the Commons amendments on The Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act comprises the following: Please click on the following link for our latest submission on the Act. Read on to find out more on our lobbying campaign against the Act.
BORDERS, CITIZENSHIP
STEP are currently partaking in a lobbying campaign against the introduction of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill, which is currently passing through the legislative process in
Described as a ‘shake-up’ in current legislation, some of consequences of the Bill include:
- Structural changes to merge customs and immigration services functions.
- Changes in citizenship requirements.
- Changes to the Common Travel Area, rules concerning students,
- Fingerprinting of deportees and extension of sections on the UK Borders Act 2007 to
- Transfer of judicial review arrangements and duty for the welfare of children.
The Bill is now at Report Stage and Third Reading, which will take place on Tuesday 14 July. This is your last chance to halt or change the Bill in the Commons, so it is crucial to act now! To view the latest press release on the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill, click here.
STEP's position on the Bill
We believe that the introduction of this Bill will cause greater deprivation and discrimination to immigrants, migrant workers and their families. We believe that it will further curtail accountability of public agencies and collective and individual human rights as we have seen through our client case work.
The Bill stands contrary to the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and EU Directive 2004/38 - namely that it proposes to discriminate on the grounds of nationality and limits free movement throughout and into the EU.
We have listed our specific concerns on the Bill in a formal briefing paper which we sent to Northern
After the committee stage of the process during which further amendments to the Bill were discussed at the House of Lords, we submitted a second bulletin, reiterating our concerns. To view this second submission, click here
The Bill has now passed through committee stage. It will have a third reading and vote on 22 April - it will then move on to the House of Commons if passed. If you would like to see our third submission, click on the link here
STEP staff join forces with UNISON migrant worker members at Stormont rally
On Tuesday 19 May, a joint submission was presented to Northern Ireland MPs urging them to oppose the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill. The submission was presented by UNISON migrant worker members and STEP Policy and Research Worker Michael Potter. The rally called upon UNISON members, black and minority ethnic organisations, politicians and other community groups to gather at Stormont in protest of the Bill.
To view the joint submission, click on the following link here:
What you can do to oppose the Bill
You can contribute by:
- Raising concerns with political representatives
- Contacting members of the House of Lords to raise concerns (see http://www.parliament.uk/about/how/members/lords_contact.cfm)
- Encouraging discussion on the issues within your own organisations, networks and communities
- Sharing your concerns with STEP to include in future representations
At this stage in the parliamentary process, our concerns and objections have been acknowledged by
The next step…
The third reading of the Bill will take place on March 10. We will keep you updated on the progress of the Bill as it progresses through
Links to further information:
The Bill as introduced can be read at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200809/ldbills/015/2009015.pdf
The debate for the Second Reading in the Lords is at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200809/ldhansrd/text/90211-0003.htm#09021171000387
A briefing by the Law Centre (NI) is at: http://www.lawcentreni.org/Policy/Briefing%20papers/borders.htm
Some of our past events...
Date: Wed 2nd July 2008
Time: 10.00 am - 12.00 pm
Venue: Ballysaggart Business Park
To discuss rental of work space, contact Fintan on 028 87729002.
STEP RECEIVES HUMANITARIAN AWARD AT THE IRISH WORLD NEWSPAPER AWARDS IN LONDON
