Following the controversy surrounding Julien Blanc’s intentions to visit the UK, LEXLAW ImmigrationTeam Solicitor, Aisha Choudhry was interviewed by Lianna Brinded from International Business Times (IBTimes). Aisha Choudhry answered the pertinent questions over immigration law in the UK and whether the Home Office can deny Julien Blanc a visa. The full article can be read here.
Julien Blanc, a controversial ‘pick up’ artist, has been criticised over seminars in which he is said to teach men sexually abusive and racist methods to attract women. In a recent interview with The Guardian, Home Office minister Lynne Featherstone spoke out publicly to say that she was lobbying Theresa May to examine the grounds for denying Julien Blanc a visa.
UK Immigration Rules: General Grounds for Refusal
The UK Immigration Rules include provision for an application to be refused under the “general grounds for refusal”. The Home Office has detailed internal guidance on the general grounds for refusing an application with separate guidance for applications for entry clearance or applications for leave to Remain.
Speaking to the IBTimes, our immigration solicitor Aisha Choudhry explains that:
“The Home Office can generally refuse most applications if they feel that the application or the applicant falls under the ‘general grounds of refusal’, which are set out in paragraph 320 of the Immigration Rules.
This can be done at the stage of the applicant’s initial entry clearance application or in some situations after their visa has been granted.
If the Secretary of State wishes to do so, she can curtail or vary an applicant’s leave even after they have entered the UK.”
Paragraph 320 of Immigration Rules
In Julien Blanc’s case, as he will be making an entry clearance application, the Home Office case worker would consider paragraph 320 of the Immigration Rules. In so considering this rule, the Entry Clearance Officer may refuse an application if they deem that the exclusion of the person from the UK is conducive to the public good.
The Home Office case worker would check the following regarding the applicant:
- adverse behaviour;
- non-conduciveness, adverse character, conduct or associations (criminal history, travel ban, non conduciveness to public good, a threat to national security);
- adverse immigration history; and
- adverse medical health.
It has been reported that Julien Blanc visited the UK before the online petition was launched; he is scheduled to tour London on 27 November and will return to London again in March and April 2015.
Legal Advice for Visitors
Our team of experienced and professionally qualified solicitors and barristers will be able to guide you through the process of making a successful visa application step by step and limit the possibility of failure by complying with the strict letter of the law.
If you are concerned that your application may be refused under consideration of paragraph 320 of the Immigration Rules, contact our team who will be happy to consider your matter in detail and explore your options.
We also undertake a great deal of appeal work before the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal and have a successful track record of successful results for our clients. We have the experience and the knowledge required to take your case forward successfully. If you have had a visa application refused, contact us to discuss your case so that we can provide you with a case assessment.
Please contact us so that we can review your case and provide you with an assessment of your case.