Alternate history: Changes in immigration law in the United Kingdom, 2004-onwards

The point of divergence is in early 2004 (when Tony Blair was still in power).

In this alternate timeline, U.S. citizens have the same rights as EU citizens to live and work in the United Kingdom, and a new visa is created in the U.S. for British citizens wishing to live and/or work in the U.S. as a reciprocal agreement.

What, if any, would be the major consequences and ramifications of this decision if it had taken place?

I know that in London there are many American expats, but this is probably because of the City of London (financial centre) or U.S. employers who have a base in London and have done an intra-company transfer sponsoring them for the visa.

This is my first go at anything politics-related on here.

I will be interested to see what you think would or could have happened next.
 
In this alternate timeline, U.S. citizens have the same rights as EU citizens to live and work in the United Kingdom, and a new visa is created in the U.S. for British citizens wishing to live and/or work in the U.S. as a reciprocal agreement.

The "same rights as EU citizens" means no visas or work permits; do UK citizens still have to follow the "green card" route as that is a lot more onerous?
 
The "same rights as EU citizens" means no visas or work permits; do UK citizens still have to follow the "green card" route as that is a lot more onerous?

In the timeline, no visas or work permits for U.S. citizens to work in the UK, but the green card route for British citizens in the U.S. may be skipped due to a reciprocal agreement and possible new citizenship law (not sure what to call it?). A new, different visa or law would probably exist.

I'm using the so-called Special Relationship between the United Kingdom and U.S. as inspiration for this. Partial inspiration would be from this source.

I'm not an expert on U.S. politics so would appreciate any suggestions on how this timeline could progress.
 
Maybe as part of the agreement between U.S. and UK, the number of visiting workers in each country has to stay within 20%??

With or without this, it would change the debate over immigration in the U.S. in that some people would probably end up acknowledging to themselves that their opposition to immigrants from Mexico is not for the most logical of reasons. Even a 2 or 3% softening of views, hell yeah, could end up making a difference on the national scene.
 
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