Franchise for the EU referendum

Britain needs a debate about giving none EU residents the right to vote as legislation about EU referendum is discussed. It follows the simple principle of fairness granting all considering UK their home the right to determine its future. I pay taxes, run businesses and engage in recreational and cultural activities in the UK, which are the criterion for civic participation.

I immigrated from Afghanistan as work came by hard in the face of rampant violence under the Tier One visa; we have few rights for instance we have no recourse to benefits or child welfare; while mandated to pay £25,000 in visa related fees, run a business regulated to suit UK economic priorities and create jobs for British citizens.  We live under constant fear of removal from the UK with no other place to go and without right of appeal.

It’s understandable that the government is trying to stop immigrants from abusing the social welfare by placing limits on civic rights. It’s illogical to include political rights in that bundle; political rights are not prone to such abuse as benefits and won’t serve as pull factor for economic migrants.

We need a gradual system of inclusion and integration that help newcomer feel at home based on a system of human rights. The British society should be fair to all who consider themselves a member of the society; we should not allow the wish to curb benefit fraud to fuel xenophobia.