For me being born and raised in Minnesota, USA, then moving to Florida where there is more of an epidemic of Cubans trying to cross rocky seas to be allowed to stay in America illegally, I think the United States has it more under control than in Great Britain. The Coast Guard takes an active approach not allowing them to step on US soil, and more often of not, they are returned to Cuba or their respected countries they are freeing from. True, I seem like a hypocrite because I am an American that has moved to England as an immigrant 3 years ago, but I found my true love which is a wonderful English gentlemen and also my ultimate true love. I did all the necessary paperwork required by the English government to move over here and marry him, and to also prove I was NOT a 'mail order bride.' I paid the excessive fees to apply for a marriage visa, various personal questions from the government, quizzed several times on personal, financial, and educational matter, such as to provide all the necessary education diplomas and degrees of my education, how we met, how long we knew each other, how many times we flew back and forth to each other. Love letters, bank statements...assets...to sum it up it was the financial and personal information procedure similar to an invasive rectal exam. Also, we had to show not only that our marriage is true, I also had to insist I was not a 'gold digger' using an English man (at that time I had more money and assets than my fiance). I owed my own 3 bedroom Florida house with 5 acres, had a high paying job in the medical field, I am a college student that graduated with two degrees (both at the top of my classes) and have enrolled in additional medical courses over here in Britain to prove I can also acquire qualifications in British standards as well as American. I have a substantial amount of saved money in stocks, bonds & an impressive portfolio. So I have to say, after having to pay excessive fees every step of the way to prove I will be a asset in the British community, I did all I could to prove my worth. Meanwhile, there are people flocking from 3 world countries that enter illegally looking to claim 'Asylum'. Not a day goes by that I seem to see that another boatload to illegally immigrants being accepted into this fine country: many who cannot speak English,claim benefits, and if they earn money it is sent it back to their 3rd world country...which doesn't help our business economy as well. Is there anyone out there that shares my point of view please post your opinion and let me know. If you don't, please share your point of view and what the plus side is with all these illegal immigrants entering Britain and causing the population to rise and rise??? I really hope something will change, because my husband and I, who work hard for this country (a county I've always wanted to belong in but I did it the legal and legitimate way, paying my debt to the government -happily- knowing I'd be an access to this fine country). It's sad, with so many hopes and dreams of my husband and I building our own home on a little piece of Kent's countryside after living and experience in London. But all of of our of plans have been put on hold while checking out the possibility of moving to New Zealand instead. Please share your opinion. I'm really interested to know from the other fine people who inhabit the tiny continent of England/Wales/Scotland think. If I offended anyone, I apologize. I just want to know some opinions. Thank you! Anne.
