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Newcastle Evening Chronicle, UK
March 11, 2011 Friday
WHY CAN'T THEY STAY?
TIME and time again the absurdity, not to mention bureaucracy, which
surrounds Britain's asylum laws continue to be baffling.
Of course there are illegal immigrants who should be subject to
criminal proceedings and deportation, but the vast majority of
refugees and asylum seekers are here looking for a safe haven.
And this newspaper has highlighted in recent weeks some proposed
deportations which on the face of it are grossly unfair.
Families who have made a life here, with the full backing and support
of the communities in which they live, working and making a positive
contribution to society.
Kamo and Nonna Manukyan have lived in Wallsend for nearly four years
with their children Lusi, 20, and Arsen, 21. The family were recently
refused asylum and faced deportation to Armenia.
While they have yet another temporary stay, at any time the family
could be split up due to the fact the children are now adults and so
have to make their own independent applications for asylum.
Aside from a vocal and at times violent minority, Britain and this
region in particular has a proud history of providing safe sanctuary
for those fleeing danger and persecution from their own countries.
Government policy is unfair, unsatisfactory and loaded against decent
families like the Manukyans.
In most people's minds there seems no valid reasons as to why they
shouldn't stay in a place where they feel safe and secure, have made
friends and regard as home.
From: A. Papazian
March 11, 2011 Friday
WHY CAN'T THEY STAY?
TIME and time again the absurdity, not to mention bureaucracy, which
surrounds Britain's asylum laws continue to be baffling.
Of course there are illegal immigrants who should be subject to
criminal proceedings and deportation, but the vast majority of
refugees and asylum seekers are here looking for a safe haven.
And this newspaper has highlighted in recent weeks some proposed
deportations which on the face of it are grossly unfair.
Families who have made a life here, with the full backing and support
of the communities in which they live, working and making a positive
contribution to society.
Kamo and Nonna Manukyan have lived in Wallsend for nearly four years
with their children Lusi, 20, and Arsen, 21. The family were recently
refused asylum and faced deportation to Armenia.
While they have yet another temporary stay, at any time the family
could be split up due to the fact the children are now adults and so
have to make their own independent applications for asylum.
Aside from a vocal and at times violent minority, Britain and this
region in particular has a proud history of providing safe sanctuary
for those fleeing danger and persecution from their own countries.
Government policy is unfair, unsatisfactory and loaded against decent
families like the Manukyans.
In most people's minds there seems no valid reasons as to why they
shouldn't stay in a place where they feel safe and secure, have made
friends and regard as home.
From: A. Papazian