I have no doubt that my personal experience has a bearing on my views on Brexit. Born in Toronto, Canada, I have an international background including an American father and grandparents from Lebanon/England. I therefore regard myself as an international person. For me, the process of becoming a British citizen was that of naturalisation, and I’ve now made my home in rural Cornwall.
If one accepts there is an international community, one must accept that leaving the EU has implications for everybody in one form or another. Work patterns are more complex than ever and young people are often keen to make the most of opportunities to study abroad, so Brexit is a global concern in terms of immigration, in my opinion.
As a qualified barrister and solicitor with a previous career in public policy in local authorities and experience in higher rights of audience, including work in the criminal courts representing clients in extradition proceedings, I have knowledge of the legal framework relevant to Brexit.
I studied EU law and have experience of cross-border and reciprocal arrangements in family law and immigration issues, representing individuals and families in contested extradition proceedings as well as advising and representing individuals and families who are here in the UK from different commonwealth countries and EU member states. My clients have included those applying for residence, applying for leave to remain or contesting allegations affecting their status. I have also worked with clients in appealing against decisions in these areas. I have extensive experience in representing and challenging different public bodies and of appeals and reviews associated with local authority decisions.
The referendum result in itself has no immediate effect on the nationality, residence or social security status of EU citizens here in the UK. The current rights and status of EU citizens living in the UK will remain unchanged until 2021. However, individuals and families from other EU member states who are presently in the UK and those arriving here from other EU member states ahead of Brexit will be subject to prescribed timings and rules. These will have implications for those considering their future settled status or residence. The scheme for applying for settled status opens in March 2019 and applies to EU citizens and their family members who wish to continue living here in the UK after June 2021.
Here to help
European Economic Area (EEA) decisions are treated as immigration decisions. Parnalls is able to offer a local source of advice about EEA Family Permits, settlement in the UK (indefinite leave to remain) and residence applications for family members, helping clients through each of the legal processes. We will continue to deepen our expert knowledge as the June 2021 deadline approaches. Do call on us for advice and support on any issues surrounding settled status in the UK – we are here to help. Contact Alexis on 01566 772375 or email hagera@parnalls.com
