London MEP calls for leniency towards settled migrant children
19 December 2007
On International Migrants Day (18 December), Jean Lambert MEP is calling onthe Government to avoid deporting migrants who have been settled in the UKsince they were children. She is also demanding that children be helped toclarify their migration status to avoid being unexpectedly removed when theyreach adulthood.
The high profile deportation case of Watford footballer Alhassan Bangura hashighlighted the danger of not clarifying migration status. Despite havingbeen settled here 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 toSierra Leone where he could face persecution and even death. He has receivedunprecedented support from the club and its fans, but still he awaits afinal decision from the Home Office.
The case of Meltem Avcil has also been reported recently. Meltem, originallyfrom Turkey, was due to be deported just days before her fourteenth birthdaydespite having lived in Doncaster since she was 7 years old. She has nosignificant ties to any other country and along with her mother is entirelysettled in the UK. Following a distressing period in Yarl's Wood and twofailed deportation attempts the Home Office finally allowed Meltem and hermother to remain in the UK.
Jean Lambert said:
"I give my whole-hearted support to Alhassan Bangura and his appeal toremain in the UK. We must remember though that he is not the only personfacing deportation. Every year people who have grown up in the UK and haveno significant ties to any other country are wrenched from life here. It isvital that more people are educated about how to clarify their immigrationstatus, potentially as part of their citizenship education.
"As a London MEP I receive many requests to support individuals facingdeportation. Last week I was contacted on behalf of 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 hissexuality and where he has no family or friends. I have written to the HomeOffice, but sadly, at this stage, there is little chance of him beingallowed to return to the UK.
"Too many young people are unaware of their migration status and the dangerof deportation. They do not have protection from the law and are unable towork legally, which can mean they fall into crime.
"We are failing these young people who consider themselves to be British,yet are living in a very precarious situation with the looming threat ofexpulsion."
For more information on International Migrants Day and to find out aboutevents taking place in London, go to:
