Extend Indefinite Leave to Remain Criteria to Safeguard Britain's Future

Purpose: We are calling on the UK government to urgently reform the criteria for granting Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) to immigrants. Under current rules, individuals can secure ILR after just 5 years, unlocking full access to taxpayer-funded benefits and services. With record-high migration levels, this is leading to an unsustainable burden on our economy and public services.

Emotional Appeal: Britain is facing an unprecedented immigration crisis, with over 1 million arrivals annually in recent years. While migration levels are a concern, the real issue is whether these new arrivals will truly contribute to our country or become a long-term drain on our resources. We cannot afford to grant permanent residency and welfare access to those who are unlikely to be net contributors, as this will deal an irreversible blow to our economy and national stability.

Evidence: In 2024, ILR was granted to over 147,000 individuals a 31% increase from the previous year. This is just the beginning, as the "Boriswave" migration surge of 2021 will soon become eligible, with estimates suggesting over 800,000 migrants could receive ILR in this Parliament alone. This would cost an astronomical £234 billion money that should be invested in supporting hardworking Britons, not bankrolling an unsustainable immigration policy.

Call to Action: By signing this petition, you are demanding that the UK government take immediate action to extend the eligibility period for ILR to at least 20 years. This will give the government time to properly assess whether individuals have truly earned the right to remain and contribute to our society. Those who are unlikely to be net contributors should not have their visas renewed and must be required to leave.

We must safeguard our economy, protect our public services, and ensure that immigration policy serves the national interest.