Jardine to lead debate on visas for skilled American workers 

Christine Jardine, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West has secured a Westminster Hall debate on Wednesday 4th February on the potential merits of fast-track visas for skilled US citizens.

Party members backed Christine’s plans at Scottish Liberal Democrat conference last year, which called on the UK Government to take steps to create a visa route allowing highly skilled Americans to come to the UK. Those who no longer want to live under the Trump Presidency would be able to legally contribute to the UK and help fund public services.

Christine Jardine said:

“I was inundated with messages from US citizens when I suggested a visa route should be established for those wishing to flee the Trump presidency.

“I read too many heartbreaking stories from members of the LGBTQ+ community, and other persecuted groups, who no longer feel safe in the place they call home.

“Some even asked me how to apply for the scheme, thinking it was already in place, laying out their qualifications and skills to me, desperate to prove were qualified enough.

“At a time when we will be losing so many skills because of the uplift in the minimum salary threshold for sponsored workers, I’m offering a practical solution which will not only deliver for those feeling persecuted or uncomfortable living in America, at the same time as giving our economy a boost it so desperately needs.”