On International Migrants Day (18 December), Jean Lambert MEP is calling on the Government to avoid deporting migrants who have been settled in the UK since they were children. She is also demanding that children be helped to clarify their migration status to avoid being unexpectedly removed when they reach adulthood.
The recent high profile deportation case of Watford footballer Alhassan Bangura has highlighted the danger of not clarifying migration status. Despite having been settled in the UK since he was sixteen and having a wife and young baby, Bangura could be wrenched from his life in the UK and forced to return to Sierra Leone where he could face persecution and even death. His appeal has received unprecedented support from the club and its fans, but he still awaits a decision from the Home Office.
The case of Melem Avcil has also been reported recently. Meltem, originally from Turkey, was due to be deported just days before her fourteenth birthday. She was being held in Yarls Wood detention centre having lived in Doncaster since she was 7 years old. She has no significant ties to any other country and along with her mother is entirely settled in the UK. Following two failed deportation attempts the Home Office finally allowed Meltem and her mother to remain in the UK.
Jean Lambert said:
“I give my whole-hearted support to Alhassan Bangura and his appeal to remain in the UK. We must remember though that he is not the only person facing deportation. Every year people who have grown up in the UK and have no significant ties to any other country are wrenched from life here. It is vital that more people are educated about how to clarify their immigration status, potentially as part of their citizenship education.
“Too many young people are unaware of their migration status and the danger of deportation. They do not have the protection from the law and are unable to work legally, which can mean they fall into crime.
“As a London MEP I receive many requests to support individuals facing deportation. Last week I was asked to support a 23-year-old, gay, HIV+ man who arrived in the UK aged 7. He was already on the flight to Jamaica, where he faces a serious threat of violence and persecution because of his sexuality and where he has no family or friends. I have written to the Home Office, but sadly, at this stage, there is little chance of him being allowed to return to the UK.
“We are failing these young people who consider themselves to be British, yet are living in a very precarious situation with the looming threat of expulsion.”
For more information on International Migrants Day and to find out about events taking place in London, go to: www.december18.net