Thread by @Flamingo_Kat

After a conversation with a friend who doesn’t get why I haven’t applied for Settled Status yet I’ve been thinking about importance of language when talking about real life impact of us EU citizens affected by #Brexit.
Here’s a thread for all the “you’ll be alright” people:

1/ I know it’s coming from the heart, and I’m grateful. I know you don’t think of me any differently, and I’m grateful. I know you wish me well, and I’m grateful. I know you’re trying to reassure me, and I’m grateful.

But, please: STOP.

2/ The truth is none of us know if I’m going to be alright or not. My friend and I are not the present (and future) decision makers.

I was promised an automatic registration – that’s what all the people I know who voted Leave used to tell me – “you’ll be alright”.

3/ The narrative has now been reframed: it may not be “automatic” but it’s “easy”.

If it’s so easy why are some people who’ve been here for decades having so many difficulties? Why are so many people getting pre-settled status instead? Why is this not public knowledge?

4/ I’ve been in the UK for the best part of 30 years, been a student, employed and self-employed. I moved houses more times than I care to remember. I married and changed my surname.

Will an app capture all of that? What if “computer says no”?

5/ More to the point: what happens to me should computer say no? What happens to my family? What happens to my job?

Can you begin to understand why I am not exactly rushing to apply?

6/ This isn’t procrastination.

My potential consequences go beyond “my imported wine will be more expensive” / “I’ll queue forever at the airport”...

My potential consequence is that I become illegal.

Read that last sentence again, slowly. Imagine it’s you.

7/ END So yes, of course I will apply and have sleepless nights while I await the outcome. Yes, of course I still love my friend to the moon and back.

But for now, please respect my fear. It's real, and it hurts. @cliodiaspora @the3million @InLimboBrexit