According to New York Times writer John F. Burns, the United Kingdom has decided to re-evaluate its immigration policies in an effort to eliminate terrorist threats and illegal entries into the country. Those applying for student visas will now face a much stricter screening process. While this change in policy was hastened by the Detroit terrorist attack in which a 23-year-old Nigerian was arrested after having spent three years as a student in Britain,  the British government  ordered these restrictions in November of last year. The primary aim of this decision is to dissuade the illegal immigration that has put a strain on the country’s education, medical care and welfare system.  Restrictions will include a requirement that students know enough English to pass a British high school exam, rather than just “beginner’s English.” Similarly, those coming on a student visitor visa for less than 6 months will no longer be allowed to bring their family members. Although the directive will affect all non-EU citizens, it is primarily targeted towards the Indian sub-continent and the  Arab and Muslim world. The government has halted all student visa approvals from northern India, Nepal and Bangladesh for the time being.

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