Thread by @PaulineBock

The British government's settled status scheme to register the UK's EU citizens is launching today. Here are a few stories on settled status & the worries of EU citizens from the past 2.5 years:

Settled status (also unfortunately called "SS") guarantees EU citizens' rights. But not *all* their rights. Groups like @the3million are worried about voting rights, high cost, right to return, among other things:
newstatesman.com/politics/brexi…

“They have all my details on file, why do I have to apply again? It should be easy for them to just convert my PR to settled status!”
Permanent residence is made void by "SS". Europeans who hold it must re-apply: newstatesman.com/politics/brexi…

There are many issues with the application process. The "SS" app doesn't work on iPhones and less recent Androids. The official advice? “Use someone else’s smartphone”
wired.co.uk/article/brexit…

Those who can't apply digitally will have to send their passports to the Home Office to prove their ID. Bad news: the HO is known to lose passports.
wired.co.uk/article/brexit…

If you apply and are granted settled status, you receive a digital number... and that's it.

Many worry this will lead to discrimination: “If you’re a landlord and two people want the flat, one is British and the other says ‘go check my digital settled status number’, who do you rent it to?”
wired.co.uk/article/brexit…

And today's launch doesn't mean EU citizens' worries are over. What happens in case of no deal? "SS" is guaranteed by May's deal. But if it fails, the government hasn't promised to ringfence their rights, which could be "wiped out":
newstatesman.com/politics/brexi…

So, as a Brit, what can you do to support your EU friends in the UK as they are made to apply to keep their current life? Well, for a start, don't tell them they'll be fine.
newstatesman.com/politics/brexi…