March 2010 - Adobe PDF - Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

32
news
Strong
<strong>Stockton</strong>
Communities
Asylum seekers
Continuing the real story…
...and busting the myths
In the last <strong>Stockton</strong> News we
featured the plight of asylum seekers
– we continue with another young
person’s experiences.
Firstly, imagine being moved to another country
where you know nothing whatsoever about
the culture and don’t speak one word of the
language……
This happened to John,
(name changed), from
Eritrea. His life was turned
upside down and his
home taken away because
his father was arrested for
airing his political views.
Initially John and his
siblings stayed with his
uncle. However, it was
not safe so his uncle made
arrangements for them to
flee the danger.
Arriving in England with very little belongings,
frightened and confused, John was allocated to
stay in London and was treat as though he was over
18. Normally young people under 18 stay, and are
supported, in the area of the UK where they first
arrive.
However, John’s demeanour indicated he was under
18 and unable to cope living on his own. A referral
was made to Health & Social Care with a request
to assess his age. This requires special skills and
qualifications.
Although carried out with sensitivity and care, an age
assessment medical examination can be extremely
upsetting and John had to endure several.
imagine being moved to
another country where you
know nothing whatsoever
about the culture and don’t
speak one word of the
language...
Assessment, over a period of time, by qualified
professionals, often using an interpreter, is designed
to gain information about a child’s background,
family tree, previous education, religion, country of
origin, the journey and how they present themselves.
Often children don’t have any documentation to show
their age, as not all countries and cultures attach
the same importance to chronological age, and birth
records and calendars are different in some counties.
Illegal trafficking may mean a child is portrayed as
being older to avoid immigration controls or checks by
Health & Social Care.
On arrival in <strong>Stockton</strong>
John was immediately
registered with a local
college to learn to
speak English and over
the next few years he
became heavily involved
in supporting others in
the same position. He
became a community
warden and registered
with the Prince’s Trust
whilst being involved with
many community projects and voluntary work.
After nearly ten years in the UK, and putting an
immense amount of time and energy into the
community, John is still waiting for a decision from
the Home Office.
Local registered charity Justice First works across
the Tees Valley with people who have been refused
asylum and help vulnerable people to find legal
representation and emergency support. Justice
First works closely with a number of other local
agencies including the Mary Thompson Fund and
the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of
Torture.
Asylum
seekers…
Myth: Nine out of ten
asylum seekers are bogus
The truth: The UK has a
very tough system. Asylum
seekers must provide
credible evidence of their
plight and persecution.
Many applications are
refused.
Myth: Asylum seekers are
linked to rising crime
The truth: A small minority
can who spoil it for the
rest. The Association
of Chief Police Officers
state there is no evidence
migrants commit any more
crime than anyone else.
Recent findings, presented
to the Home Secretary,
found offending rates are
in line with those in the
general population. They
are more likely to be a
victim of crime, suffering
racial harassment and
discrimination.
Myth: Asylum seekers
are given priority over
other council tenants for
properties.
The truth: They are housed
by organisations who are
paid directly by the Home
Office. such as private
landlords or with the local
authority.
Myth: They are stealing our
jobs
The truth: Once granted
status they are entitled to
work. Many must retrain
as their qualifications are
not recognised here. For a
doctor this means another
three years study.