#Immigration Deportation Services- Immigration Lawyers UK

[immigrationlawyersuk]

Immigration Deportation Services- Immigration Lawyers UK

Navigating the complexities of immigration law can be daunting, especially when facing the threat of deportation. At Immigration Lawyers UK, we understand the emotional and legal challenges involved in deportation cases. Our dedicated team of experienced immigration lawyers is here to provide you with the guidance and support you need during this difficult time.

Understanding Immigration Deportation

Deportation refers to the formal removal of a person from the UK due to violations of immigration laws. Common reasons for deportation include:

Overstaying a visa: Remaining in the UK beyond the validity of your visa.

Criminal convictions: Being convicted of a serious crime can lead to deportation.

Violation of immigration conditions: Failing to adhere to the conditions of your visa or leave to remain.

If you or a loved one is facing deportation, it’s crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Our immigration lawyers can assess your situation, explore your options, and work diligently to prevent your removal from the UK.

Our Deportation Services

1. Legal Consultation

Our immigration lawyers offer comprehensive legal consultations to assess your situation. We’ll discuss the circumstances surrounding your deportation order and outline the options available to you.

2. Representation in Appeals

If you’ve received a deportation order, our team can help you file an appeal. We will guide you through the appeals process, preparing necessary documentation and representing you in hearings to fight for your right to remain in the UK.

3. Application for Bail

In some cases, individuals may be detained pending deportation. We can assist in applying for bail, ensuring that your rights are protected while you await the outcome of your case.

4. Human Rights Claims

If your deportation could result in a breach of your human rights, we can help you build a claim based on those grounds. This may include situations where you face persecution or inhumane treatment upon return to your home country.

5. Advice on Alternative Immigration Options

Our team can explore alternative routes for remaining in the UK, such as applying for asylum or seeking leave to remain on compassionate grounds. We will provide you with expert advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

Why Choose Immigration Lawyers UK?

Experienced Team: Our lawyers have extensive experience in immigration law and a deep understanding of deportation cases.

Personalized Service: We take the time to understand your unique situation and tailor our services to meet your needs.

Commitment to Success: We are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients and will fight tirelessly to protect your rights.

Transparent Communication: We keep you informed throughout the process, ensuring you understand every step and option available to you.

Company Description

Immigration Lawyers UK is a trusted immigration law firm specializing in deportation and related immigration matters. Based in the UK, our team of expert lawyers is committed to providing comprehensive legal support and representation to individuals facing immigration challenges. We understand the complexities of immigration law and strive to offer personalized solutions that protect our clients’ rights and interests. Whether you’re dealing with a deportation order or exploring options to remain in the UK, we are here to help you navigate the legal landscape with confidence.

[mariacallous]

Mark Nelson took the call in an immigration detention center—a place that, to him, felt just like prison. It had the same prison windows, the same tiny box rooms. By the time the phone rang, he’d already spent 10 days detained there, and he was wracked with worry that he would be forced onto a plane without the chance to say goodbye to his kids. So when his lawyers relayed the two options available under UK law—either stay in detention indefinitely or go home wearing a tracking device—it didn’t exactly feel like a choice. “That’s being coerced,” says Nelson, who moved from Jamaica to the UK more than 20 years ago. He felt desperate to get out of there and go home to his family—even if a GPS tag had to come too.

It was May 2022 when the contractors arrived at Colnbrook Detention Center, on the edge of London’s Heathrow Airport, to fit the device. Nelson knew the men were with the government’s Electronic Monitoring Service, but he didn’t know their names or the company they worked for. Still, he followed them to a small room, where they measured his leg and locked the device around his ankle. Since then, for almost two years, Nelson has been accompanied by the tag wherever he goes. Whether he is watching TV, taking his kids to school, or in the shower, his tag is continuously logging his coordinates and sending them back to the company that operates the tag on behalf of the British government.

Nelson lifts up his trousers to reveal the tag, wrapped around his leg, like a giant gray leech. He chokes down tears as he describes the impact the device has had on his life. “It’s depressing,” he says, being under constant surveillance. “Right through this process, it’s like I’m not a human anymore.”

In England and Wales, since 2019, people convicted of knife crime or other violent offenses have been ordered to wear GPS ankle tags upon their release from prison. But requiring anyone facing a deportation order to wear a GPS tag is a more recent and more controversial policy, introduced in 2021. Nelson wears a tag because his right to remain in the UK was revoked following his conviction for growing cannabis in 2017—a crime for which he served two years of a four-year sentence. But migrants arriving in small boats on the coast of southern England, with no previous convictions, were also tagged during an 18-month pilot program that ended in December 2023. Between 2022 and 2023, the number of people ordered to wear GPS trackers jumped by 56 percent to more than 4,000 people, according to research by the Public Law Project, a legal nonprofit.

“Foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality by committing crimes in the UK should be in no doubt of our determination to deport them,” a Home Office spokesperson tells WIRED. “Where removal isn’t immediately possible, electronic monitoring can be used to manage foreign national offenders and selected others released on immigration bail.” The Home Office, the UK’s interior ministry, declined to answer questions on “operational details,” such as whether GPS coordinates are being tracked in real time and for how long the Home Office stores individuals’ location data. “This highly intrusive form of surveillance is being used to solve a problem that does not exist,” says Jo Hynes, a senior researcher at the Public Law Project. GPS tags are designed to prevent people facing deportation orders from going on the run. But according to Hynes, only 1.3 percent of people on immigration bail absconded in the first six months of 2022.

Now, Nelson is the first person to challenge Britain’s GPS tagging regime in a high court, arguing that the tags are a disproportionate breach of privacy. A judgment on the case is expected any day now, and critics of GPS tagging hope the decision will have ripple effects throughout the British immigration system. “A judgment in Mark’s favor could take quite a lot of different forms,” says Jonah Mendelsohn, a legal officer at data rights group Privacy International. He adds that the court could force the Home Office to stop tagging migrants altogether, or it could limit the amount of data the tags collect. “It could set a precedent.”

The GPS tags are part of an intensifying surveillance regime that migrants and refugees are now subject to in the UK, the US, and Australia, says Mendelsohn. “There is so much tech that’s being rolled out and used almost in an experimental lab-esque way,” he says, pointing to how migrants arriving in Britain on small boats have been told to hand over their phones and pin codes or fitted with bar-coded wristbands. “GPS tracking is just one aspect of that.”

Allegations that the tags are prone to malfunction also aggravate the stress people feel while wearing them, Mendelsohn says. By law, the tags can’t be removed. But they still need charging, either by being plugged into a socket or a portable battery pack. Nelson’s first tag would run out of battery every two hours, he claims, meaning he could never travel far from a plug socket—failure to charge a tag can count as a breach of immigration bail conditions, risking return to a detention center.

The battery was just one in a series of problems, Nelson claims. Between November 2022 and May 2023, he believes his tag was no longer logging his GPS coordinates, with his legal team at Wilsons Solicitors arguing this proved the tag was redundant and should be removed. But until now, the Home Office has refused to take off the tag. “[They said] the law is the law and I’m subject to the law,” says Nelson. “So I’ve got to wear this broken tag whether it works or not.” The company that monitors and maintains the tags on behalf of the government since 2014, Capita Business Services, did not reply to WIRED’s request to comment.

Nelson might have been the first person to challenge the GPS tagging regime in court. But others were close behind. British law firm Duncan Lewis Solicitors is representing another four people forced to wear GPS tags, ranging from EU citizens to people who arrived in the UK on small boats. “Such surveillance of vulnerable individuals is not necessary in any democratic society, and we are proud to represent these claimants in their fight against this poorly run and dystopian regime,” says Conor Lamb, who works in the public law department at Duncan Lewis.

One of the people whom Duncan Lewis is representing is a 25-year-old former asylum seeker from Sudan who arrived in the UK via a small boat and has no criminal history, according to his lawyers. The tag brought up painful memories of being bound and tortured during his journey to the UK, they argued in court. After two psychiatric reports were submitted to the government, the tag was taken off and his data deleted. Despite that, the man, who uses the pseudonym ADL, remains part of the court case in order to challenge the practice of tagging new arrivals.

Meanwhile, Nelson is still waiting for his tag to be taken off. He’s frustrated that he has to wear the tag despite already having served his time in prison. “Before all of this, I was social,” he says. Now, he says, he’s too self-conscious to go out much, in case others see the tag and mistake him for the perpetrator of a violent crime. He describes how the tag has left him feeling “up and down,” as if he has no good choices left. “In order for me to see my family and to be part of my family, I’m still being forced into 24/7 monitoring, someone watching me and watching what I do, every day.”

[hudsonmckenzie]

How choosing a good US immigration lawyer in Ireland can add value?

Although immigration is not a fresh concern to barge on, most of the people don’t get detail unless they get stuck into any associated issue. For people willing to work in US, facing immigration related issues is pretty much common. And to ensure best management of immigration problems, consulting immigration law firms seems to be a great way to move forward. Being the experts in the field of immigration, these lawyers know each & every aspect of immigration and furnish all necessary support to the concerned people.

According to immigration experts, consulting a good US immigration lawyer in Ireland is certainly the safest and promising way to ensure a clear processing of immigration application. This is because a minor mistake could lead to grave issues in the processing of application. And this is the thing that you won’t wish for in any case.

Immigration lawyers represent people who are not born in the United States but are willing to get a permanent residence in the United States. Immigration law is heavily complex and if you are trying to become a U.S. permanent resident or a U.S. citizen, it’s a sagacious move to consult or hire an attorney.

It’s very much important to consult with an attorney if you are facing arrest or deportment because of an immigration problem.

A US immigration lawyer in Ireland can help in:

Readying immigration documents for an immigrant who speaks English as a second language.

Representing an immigrant in court, speak on his or her behalf, and help file the necessary paperwork to avoid detention.

protecting an immigrant against arrest and detainment as well as help prevent that person from

being deported.

safeguarding an immigrant who is imprisoned by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE).

A reputed immigration lawyer in UK will advise you about the latest development in laws and regulations associated with changes in immigration law. The attorney should also help you choose the best course of action catering to your situation and thoroughly explain your options to you. When preparing your case and representing you, your immigration attorney should be able to define why you should be eligible for immigration benefits under the prevailing United States immigration law.

A large number of individuals who endeavour to submit immigration applications on their own will ultimately find that their absence of knowledge in regard to immigration rules and regulations can lead to mistakes that are exclusive in terms of both time and money. These mistakes may restrict an individual’s options, lead to a Visa rejection, and even lead to deportation consequences. If hiring a lawyer becomes necessary later, your mistakes may limit the options that you would have had prior to filing. Many immigration attorneys are also expected to charge you majorly more to clean up a mess that you have created. In a majority of states “notarios” unlawfully offer their services as immigration consultants but do not have the unmatched knowledge or license necessary to complete the immigration process. Beyond violating the law, they also deprive of the training required to understand complex legal matters and help you to decide on the best move forward of yours considering the specific situation.

[fosterslegal]

Professional Wills Writing and Immigration Law Services in Peterborough

Navigating the ever-changing policies and guidelines surrounding immigration law can be challenging. Whether you're seeking guidance on citizenship, visa applications, or other immigration-related matters, having the support of a knowledgeable immigration lawyer is essential. At Fosters Legal Solicitors Ltd., we pride ourselves on providing expert immigration law services to clients in Peterborough and surrounding areas. Additionally, we offer comprehensive will drafting services to ensure the legal protection of your assets and wishes.

Expertise in Immigration Law

With over eight years of experience, our dedicated team of Immigration lawyer in Peterborough is well-versed in all aspects of this field. We offer expert advice on immigration matters and will drafting services in Peterborough, backed by a team with more than two decades of legal experience. Led by a seasoned immigration solicitor, we help clients navigate the complexities of UK immigration law, including visa applications, naturalization, and registration, ensuring adherence to legal requirements and maximizing the chances of a successful outcome.

Visa Applications and Extensions

Applying for a visa can be a daunting process, with multiple categories and strict requirements. Our immigration lawyers provide personalized advice and assistance to ensure that your application meets all the necessary eligibility criteria, whether you're applying for a work, family, or student visa. We assist with paperwork preparation, submission, and communication with the Home Office to resolve any issues that may arise throughout the process.

Naturalization and Permanent Residency

For individuals seeking British citizenship through registration or naturalization, our immigration attorneys offer comprehensive advice and support. We assess each client’s eligibility based on factors such as criminal history, language proficiency, and residency, ensuring the application meets the stringent requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We also assist clients in obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), the final step before applying for British citizenship.

Dealing with Overstays and Unlawful Entry

Our immigration lawyers provide strategic advice and representation for individuals facing challenges related to visa overstays or unlawful entry into the UK. We thoroughly explore legal options for regularization, offering compassionate support and strong advocacy to protect your rights and interests, whether you have established ties in the UK or are facing deportation.

Wills Drafting Services

In addition to immigration law, we offer comprehensive will drafting services to clients in Peterborough. A well-drafted will is crucial to ensure your assets are distributed according to your final wishes. Our experienced attorneys work closely with clients to understand their estate planning goals and craft wills that reflect their specific needs while complying with legal standards. We offer tailored drafting services, addressing everything from asset distribution to the appointment of guardians for minor children.

Contact Us

If you require assistance with immigration law in Peterborough, Fosters Legal Solicitors Ltd. is here to help. Our team of skilled immigration lawyers and solicitors is committed to offering expert guidance and support to clients from all walks of life. Contact one of our offices in Stevenage or Peterborough today to schedule a consultation and begin resolving your legal matters.

Conclusion

Fosters Legal Solicitors Ltd. is a trusted firm in Peterborough, providing expert services in immigration law and will drafting. With our team of experienced solicitors and immigration lawyers, we offer comprehensive advice and support to help clients navigate the complexities of UK immigration law. Our will drafting services ensure that your estate planning needs are met with professionalism and attention to detail. Whether you need assistance with citizenship, visa applications, or drafting a will, you can rely on Fosters Legal Solicitors Ltd. for expert legal representation.

[bararassociates]

Top 5 Qualities To Look For In London Immigration Lawyers

Immigrating to a new country is a complex process with various legal challenges. Immigrating to London, UK can involve various immigration problems that need the expertise to handle it. Several laws and regulations are in place that needs to be understood. Fortunately, experienced UK immigration lawyers specialize in these matters. You can seek their valuable assistance.

Common Immigration Issues In London-

Visa Applications and Extensions

Work Permit and Sponsorship

Family-based Immigration

Immigration Appeals

Deportation and Removal Proceedings

Citizenship and Naturalization and different additional issues too

Planning to move to London? It is vital to find a professional and skilled immigration lawyer who can guide you through the intricacies of the immigration system. Several lawyers are available, but choosing the right one for your needs is important.

Read on to know what to look for in UK immigration lawyers-

Expertise and Experience- Make sure best London Immigration Lawyers have expertise and experience in the field. Immigration laws are continuously developing and navigating through them only needs in-depth knowledge and understanding. This is why you should find a lawyer who specializes in immigration law and is able to deal with cases similar to yours. Only professionals can give you accurate advice and effective representation.

Outstanding Communication Skills- Clear and effective communication skill is highly required in these cases to deal with legal immigration matters effectively. Hiring an immigration lawyer with excellent communication skills is the right choice as they thoroughly understand your concerns and the options available to you. They will explain all the legal terms and procedures in simple words as well as they can advocate for you effectively.

Attention to Detail- When we talk about immigration processes, they involve broad documentation and follow strict deadlines. This is where a skilled immigration lawyer plays a vital role in ensuring that all your paperwork is accurate, complete and submitted on time. Make sure about the attention to detail skill of your immigration lawyer to avoid unnecessary complications throughout the immigration procedure.

Professionalism – An immigration lawyer with high professionalism and integrity can make this process easier and simpler for you. However, they should prioritize your best interests, maintain privacy and meet ethical standards. Be it their fees, honest evaluations of your case or real results, they should be very clear about it. They should help you even in an unfavorable situation.

Client Reviews – Don’t decide on London Immigration Lawyers until you read their previous client reviews and testimonials to gain insights into customer service. Make sure they have a solid reputation in handling immigration cases.

The Final Thought-

There are several immigration issues you may experience during this process and after that too. Having a trustworthy immigration lawyer by your side is vital. They can help you with different immigration issues so make an informed decision when it comes to choosing a London immigration lawyer. They can make a significant difference in your immigration journey.

This is where Barar & Associates comes in. They ensure 100% Error-Free Paperwork, The Right Immigration Pathway and Save Time and Money. Visit www.bararassociates.com for more information.

[immigration-solicitors-uk]

Top 3 Benefits of Working With the Top UK Immigration Law Firms

If you are an immigrant, then you need to make sure your immigration application is filled out in the most appropriate way. If you want to ensure that everything is done correctly then you need to consult the top UK immigration law firms in the UK who can help you understand the immigration process. They offer you a team of expert immigration solicitors to navigate legal complexities and other knowledge about immigration law.

Here are the top three benefits of consulting the top immigration law firms in the UK -

Legal representation : An immigration solicitor can provide you with the best legal advice and also represent you in court if the situation arises. Some of the cases include family immigration, deportation or naturalisation. They will communicate with you to make you clear all doubts about the bureaucratic process and assist you through the process.

Avoid delays : Immigration applications can get delayed or even rejected if you have made any mistake during filling out the form. This rejection can lead to more delays in getting the immigration visa. Here an immigration solicitor will let you know all the processes and will use his expertise to make sure the application is completely error-free.

Security : Working with immigration lawyers can let you feel more secure as they will give you an insight into the immigration system,and make sure you receive quality representation. They will fight for you in case your visa gets rejected due to unfair reasons and will collect enough evidence to speed up the appeal process.

Conclusion -

Intime Immigration Limited (Intime Solicitor) is one of the top immigration law firms in the UK that provides highly experienced immigration solicitors for visa assistance.  The skilled solicitors have enough knowledge in this field to assist you with a UK visa, marriage visa, spouse visa, business visa, family visa, visa refusal, visa extension and other settlement applications.

To know more about their services, you can visit their official website and arrange a meeting with their expert immigration lawyer.

[rightsinexile]

News on Countries of Asylum

Global

Deadly practice of migrant ‘pushbacks’ must cease: UN Special Rapporteur

How vaccine passports could imperil LGBTQ+ refugees

Africa

Experts call for increased inclusion of refugees in health, education, sports in Africa

BOTSWANA: As universities begin to offer scholarships, refugee students look forward to a more secure future

ETHIOPIA: Ethiopia commended for efforts towards inclusive education policies for refugee children and the youth

MOZAMBIQUE: Grave concerns for forcibly disappeared Rwandan asylum seeker 

UGANDA: 

Over 950 refugees from DRC cross into Uganda amid rebel activities in North Kivu province

COVID-19 poses a major threat to the life and welfare of refugees in Uganda

Americas

CANADA: 

Oversight of Canada Border Services Agency requested in case of Egyptian asylum-seeker facing deportation

Government plans to increase the number of protected persons admitted to Canada from 23,500 to 45,000 in 2021

What the Biden administration can learn from Canada’s private refugee sponsorship program

COLOMBIA: Colombia reopens border with Venezuela after 14 months

USA: 

US suspects 4,000 cases of fraud in Iraq refugee resettlement programme, with freeze of refugee programme extended indefinitely 

The Biden administration ends former administration’s Migrant Protection Protocols

US ends policy limiting asylum for gang and domestic violence survivors

US border officials are using a new surveillance app to collect and store information on asylum seekers before they enter the US

The 2021 Spring Regulatory Agenda signals major change to immigration, asylum, and border policy

Asia

BANGLADESH: 

Rohingya Muslim refugees injured in protests on isolated island during UNHCR visit

Concerning conditions reported on remote island of Bhasan Char, housing thousands of Rohingya refugees

UNHCR improperly collected and shared personal information from ethnic Rohingya refugees with Bangladesh, who relayed to Myanmar

INDIA: Over 50 shanties housing Rohingya refugees destroyed in a fire, leaving hundreds homeless

JAPAN: Government withdraws controversial immigration bill after mounting public criticism, following death of an asylum-seeker in detention facility

Asia Pacific

UN shared Rohingya data without informed consent: HRW

AUSTRALIA: 

Immigration detention centres on Christmas Island pose a COVID outbreak risk and should be closed - Australian Human Rights Commission

Asylum seeker family who spent nearly three years in detention on Christmas Island are reunited

130 people still being held in Papua New Guinea’s capital Port Moresby and 110 people on Nauru

Australia's foreign affairs department urged to retract a report, amidst claims of inaccuracy and deportation of Tamil refugees

Anger mounts as Australia declines to fast-track plans to save Afghan translators, who worked with Western troops, from Taliban retribution

Plight of Tamil family fuels concern over Australia asylum rules

NEW ZEALAND: Discussions taking place to resettle refugees from Australia’s offshore regime in New Zealand

Europe

Efforts to stop people from entering the European Union illegally are being ramped up with experimental new digital barriers

DENMARK: 

Amendment to Danish law seeks to forcibly transfer asylum-seekers to third countries for processing

Hundreds of Syrian refugees conducted a sit-in demonstration in front of the Danish parliament, protesting measures aimed at returning them to Syria

Denmark’s Syrian refugee residency move reflects shifting policies across Europe

FINLAND: City of Lahti seeks to evict the only reception centre for asylum seekers with mental health problems in Finland

FRANCE: New app launched in southern France to help asylum seekers with their administrative status, accommodation, health and everyday needs

GREECE: 

Greece should not consider Turkey 'safe' for asylum seekers, rights organizations say

Greece plans to send back asylum seekers from Somalia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria and Bangladesh who arrive from Turkey

Greek plans for refugee camps, including concrete walls and drones, decried

Draconian prison sentences handed to four Afghan youths found guilty of starting the fire that destroyed the Moria migrant camp on the island of Lesbos

ITALY: 

Fishermen in the Sicilian fishing town of Mazara del Vallo targeted by Libyan Coast Guard when rescuing migrant boats

Italy under pressure to reduce arrivals from Mediterranean, as they record a nine-fold increase in arrivals to shore in the past two years

Around 700 people arrived on the Italian island of Lampedusa in one day in June, as reception centre reaches full capacity

IRELAND: Housing policies exclude travellers, migrants and asylum seekers

SPAIN: At least three people are dead and four missing after a migrant boat carrying nearly 50 passengers capsized in Spain's Canary Islands

UK: 

Asylum in the UK, by numbers

UK high court strikes down pandemic protections for refused asylum seekers

Plans to impose a ‘good faith’ requirement on immigration lawyers, strongly attacked by Law Society, Bar Council and Immigration Law Practitioners Association 

Temporary ban on accepting new asylum seekers into Scotland could last for years

Conservative-run Kent County Council planning to sue government over number of child asylum seekers in the local authority’s care

Problems with new cash cards, issued through the Home Office, leaves thousands of asylum-seekers at risk

MENA

IRAN: Government formalises access to banking services – including debit cards, for Afghan refugees

LEBANON: 

Lebanese protesters attack Syrian refugees and demanded they "go home," as voting for Syrian election takes place

Vital aid needed for around 1.5 million Lebanese and 400,000 migrant workers living in increasingly critical conditions

[uk-news-talking-politics]

Coronavirus: Displaced people are being left without help

By Marta Welander

There's been very little mention of the effect of the coronavirus on some of the most marginalised people in Europe - the displaced.

The far-right and some European governments have started capitalising on the spread of Covid-19 to feed into anti-migrant narratives. There is no evidence indicating that displaced people are bringing this virus into their countries of refuge, but there is a real concern about what will happen to migrants once the virus takes root in marginalised displaced communities where access to medical care is very limited.

There are things which can be done, across Europe. We just need governments to listen.

The overcrowded Greek islands

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) have issued warnings that the evacuation of squalid Greek camps is more urgent than ever. Due to the unhygienic, overcrowded living conditions, the threat of an outbreak among camp residents is extremely serious, yet there are reportedly no epidemic response plans in place. MSF describes these conditions as providing "the perfect storm for a Covid-19 outbreak", due to the lack of adequate sanitation services and the extremely limited medical care. This means that the risk of the virus spreading in the camps in Greece is very high.

The World Health Organisation continues to emphasise the importance of social distancing but individuals on the Greek islands have no way of observing any of these precautions. Refugee Rights Europe therefore fully supports MSF in urging for the immediate evacuation of the 42,000 individuals in the camps in the Greek islands and moving them to appropriate accommodation. We also need an emergency relocation of children from the islands to other European Union member states.

The border land in northern France

In the absence of accommodation provision, displaced people in northern France are experiencing extremely poor living conditions. The sanitary conditions are deplorable. There is a severe lack of sanitation facilities and water points, which are often located hundreds of meters or even kilometres away from settlements. This means that the risk of the virus spreading, once it has taken root, is critically high. Exposure to very cold and humid climate, coupled with stress and exhaustion brought on by ongoing uncertainty and daily evictions of living spaces, means the individuals here are at heightened risk of experiencing health complications if they contract the virus.

The detection of cases is next to impossible, given that most people are unable to access health services, while others are likely to fear the risk of detention or removal if they present themselves. They are therefore much more likely to go undetected and untreated. The recently adopted confinement measures are further exacerbating the poor living conditions, as frontline organisations are not currently allowed to go to the settlements to provide support.

Immediate measures should be taken by the French authorities to respond adequately to the situation. Robust measures for infection prevention and control, increased dissemination of information in relevant languages and formats, rapid identification and isolation of existing cases, and of course the treatment of individuals experiencing severe cases are urgently needed. Adequate accommodation must be provided, irrespective of immigration status.

There is a brief flicker of good news here. French authorities recently made a decision to extend the validity of immigration documents by three months, including long term residents permits, asylum claim certificates and receipts of residence permit requests, where such documents would otherwise expire by March 16th.

Individuals in immigration detention

As highlighted by the Global Detention Project, individuals placed in immigration detention centres are "frequently confined in facilities with inadequate sanitary provisions and limited health care, and all too often they are forced to share rooms with countless others". It is clear that the only option for social distancing would be to place individuals in full isolation, which in itself risks leading to deteriorating mental health.

We therefore fully support the calls of the Board of Border Criminologies and demand the increased use of testing in immigration detention centres, and for immigration authorities to release individuals where feasible. This has now been done in Spain. In the UK a number of lawyers and campaigners have called for immigration centres detainees to be released because "there is a very real risk of an uncontrolled outbreak of Covid-19 in immigration detention".

In France and Italy several NGOs are also calling for immigration centres to be gradually closed down to avoid further spread of illness. In France, one case of a detainee being infected by the virus has already been reported in the detention centre of Lille-Lesquin. Detained individuals have now issued a statement to alert the authorities and the general public regarding this critical situation, which was followed by a call for the unconditional release of all individuals deprived of their liberty in the context of immigration detention. On top of the health argument, NGOs also argue that the legal ground for detention no longer exists, given that individuals cannot be deported due to the closure of borders, and should therefore be released.

Maintaining access to rights and services for displaced people

In a number of European countries, safeguarding and preventive measures have been taken to avoid further spread of the virus. Public institutions and services have been shut down. This can have dramatic consequences on ensuring the most basic rights of displaced individuals.

In Belgium, for instance, asylum seekers can no longer register their claim to the Foreigners' Office which has been closed until further notice without any alternative plan being defined.

Such suspension of service provision also affects the ability of NGOs to support displaced people. In France, for instance, legal assistance usually provided by NGOs in administrative detention centres is suspended due to confinement measures adopted by the government.

Not leaving displaced people behind

Overall, health authorities across Europe must present a plan relating to refugee camps and settlements on their territories, which includes measures for infection prevention and control, dissemination of information in relevant languages and formats, rapid identification and isolation of existing cases, and of course the treatment of individuals experiencing severe cases. The European Commission must also assert its influence to ensure that EU member states are indeed drawing up and implementing such plans.

It must be made clear and communicated proactively, by all European states, that individuals who present themselves for testing and/or health care will not face the threat of detention or removal. In addition, suitable accommodation provision must be made a priority for individuals trapped in unsanitary informal settlements across Europe, again without conditions of claiming asylum and without the risk of deportation. Individuals in detention must have access to testing and should be released wherever feasible.

These measures will protect displaced populations. But the reality of the virus is that we are all in this together. They will safeguard host communities too. For all our sakes, displaced people, must be treated with dignity, respect and humanity.

[allthecanadianpolitics]

In another example of the extraordinary lengths Canadian immigration officials go to deport failed refugee claimants, the Canada Border Services Agency has been collecting DNA from migrants and using ancestry websites to find and contact their distant relatives and establish their nationality.

“I think it is a matter of public interest that border service agencies like the CBSA are able to obtain access to DNA results from sites like Familytreedna.com and Ancestry.com,” said Subodh Bharati, a lawyer who is representing a man who says he’s Liberian, but who the government is now trying to prove is actually Nigerian. “There are clear privacy concerns. How is the CBSA able to access this information and what measures are being put in place to ensure this information remains confidential?”

Bharati, who is representing his client through CLASP, the legal aid clinic at Osgoode Hall Law School, said he is aware of at least two individuals who used Familytreedna.com, one in the UK, who have been contacted by the CBSA seeking to deport someone from Canada.

“Individuals using these sites to look at their family tree should be aware that their confidential information is being made available to the government and that border agents may contact them to help facilitate the deportation of migrants,” he said.

Continue Reading.

[vihesuna-blog]

The Most Disregarded Fact Regarding United Kingdom Visa Exposed

https://www.ivisa.com/united-kingdom-visa

Characteristics of United Kingdom Visa

For instance, an agent can make sure your employer's paperwork is in order, which will also take the strain from the visa application process in their opinion! For IELTS Life Skills, you simply will need to attend one short session to finish the test. Naturally, the fee increases based on the number of individuals travelling and the urgency of the application.

You will likewise be able to double check what kind of visa you'll need for your journey on the site. There are several relevant forums that can be found on the web that could help you select the correct path to the approval of your visa application. The very first and foremost thing which you will need to do is download the application form.

The cost of the united kingdom visa is universal so that it doesn't matter which nation you are applying from, the cost will nonetheless be the very same in British Pounds If you're using the help of an immigration lawyer, the fees might already be included in the total package. Using the assistance of Immigration Agent, you're going to be assured that you're going to be up-to-date with any change in the visually impaired visa. When you download at least one of these available forms from the UK Border Agency website, you'll be given with the information regarding the united kingdom visa service itself, the value and the time required in filling this up. United Kingdom Visa - Overview

The applicant must meet up with the character and wellness requirement to be able to find a valid Australian visa subclass 186. In the event the spouse depends on the immigrant financially, or so the spouse will also face deportation respectively. An overall student visa is for a lengthier course.

It isn't as difficult as many Filipinos think. Thai Consulate at Penang is the selection of many foreigners who wishes to have a Non B. Apart from that, changes in immigration laws have come to be much more.

The decision needs to be released within 3 weeks or you could pay extra to find a faster decision. however, it isn't necessary mean your visa is going to be approved. If you wish to stay longer than 150 days in Nepal, you must find different kinds of visa. If you'd like multiple entry visa for a single year, then you might have to pay 200 British Pounds as a UK Visa fee.

When there is none, after that you can directly upload it to the UK Border Agency site. Delivery and Installation services are offered in the uk. Hence, provide every detail correctly.

If you take care of this, your entry to mainland Europe shouldn't be impeded. If you happen from a nation that needs a New Zealand visa to enter, please remember to apply ahead of time. You will also have to show that you have sufficient money to support yourself during your trip to New Zealand. United Kingdom Visa - Dead or Alive?

The applicant may demonstrate some patience as it takes some time to schedule an appointment. UK Tier 2 visas are intended for folks that are searching to arrive at the country for a consequence of receiving an offer of employment in a skilled job. Our dedicated group of Immigration experts and migration consultants can help you at each stage of your case, from the minute you enquire to the moment that you arrive in your new house and for years beyond.

[immigrationlawyersuk]

Finding the Best Immigration Solicitors in the UK

Navigating the complexities of immigration law can be challenging, and having the right legal support is crucial for a successful outcome. If you’re seeking assistance with immigration matters, knowing how to find the best immigration solicitors in the UK is essential. This blog will guide you through the key factors to consider when selecting an immigration solicitor and introduce you to our experienced team at Immigration Lawyers UK.

Why You Need a Good Immigration Solicitor

Immigration law is multifaceted and constantly evolving. A qualified immigration solicitor can provide invaluable support in various situations, including:

Visa applications: Ensuring your application meets all legal requirements.

Appeals: Representing you in appeals against refusals or deportation orders.

Asylum claims: Navigating the complex asylum process and presenting your case effectively.

Family reunification: Assisting in bringing family members to the UK.

Having expert legal advice can significantly enhance your chances of success, making the choice of solicitor a critical decision.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Immigration Solicitor

1. Qualifications and Experience

Look for solicitors who specialize in immigration law and have a proven track record. Check their qualifications, memberships in professional organizations, and any accolades they may have received in the field.

2. Client Reviews and Testimonials

Research client reviews and testimonials to gauge the solicitor’s reputation. Positive feedback from past clients can provide insight into their success rates and customer service.

3. Range of Services

Choose a solicitor who offers a comprehensive range of immigration services. This ensures that they can handle various aspects of your case, whether you’re applying for a visa, seeking asylum, or dealing with deportation issues.

4. Communication and Support

Effective communication is vital in any legal process. Your solicitor should be approachable, responsive, and willing to explain complex legal jargon in understandable terms.

5. Fees and Transparency

Discuss fees upfront and ensure you understand the cost structure. Look for solicitors who provide transparent pricing without hidden charges, so you can budget effectively.

Why Choose Immigration Lawyers UK?

At Immigration Lawyers UK, we pride ourselves on being one of the leading immigration law firms in the country. Our team of experienced immigration solicitors is dedicated to providing top-notch legal support to clients facing various immigration challenges. Here’s why you should consider us:

Expertise: Our solicitors are well-versed in all aspects of immigration law, ensuring you receive informed guidance tailored to your specific needs.

Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize your interests and work diligently to achieve the best possible outcomes for your case.

Positive Track Record: With numerous successful cases, our solicitors have built a reputation for excellence in immigration law.

Transparent Pricing: We believe in clear and upfront communication about fees, ensuring there are no surprises along the way.

Conclusion

Finding the best immigration solicitors in the UK is a critical step in navigating your immigration journey successfully. By considering qualifications, client reviews, and the range of services offered, you can make an informed decision.

At Immigration Lawyers UK, we are committed to providing you with the highest level of legal support. Whether you need assistance with a visa application, an appeal, or any other immigration matter, our team is here to help you every step of the way.

[mrsbaako-blog]

The story of RBS, a missing bank statement and so my husband’s possible deportation.

A story for you folks - a day in the life of yours truly, wife of a Ghanaian Immigrant applying for my husband Adie's final UK Visa. We are seriously at risk of having Adie's application rejected because of one missing bank statement. RBS are unable to help us! Please read on……

I had a lovely reaffirming start to my day - Celia, a local accountant helped me by providing the necessary  evidence for Adie's final Visa application. After this Visa he can apply for a UK passport - so in 2 & 1/2 short years we will be able to go to Torremolinos together at last 😜. She turned out to be from Shetland, we know many people in common and her Uncle was a fiddle player. Fiddles duly brought out, tuned up and played, the lovely Celia refused payment for helping us with this 5 minute task - a massive gesture as other accountants were quoting us £400 + VAT. 

I left her house with a warm glow, faith in humanity restored, it being the 1st of February and all. Self employed friends will no doubt be able to guess why 1st Feb is a day of lightness and joy…….for the uninitiated, tax returns submitted on time and tax paid by 31st January deadline.

Next task, for Adie's Visa the Home Office require original bank statements evidencing income. I have 6 years worth of statements filed for 3 separate accounts and only one missing statement. As luck would have it, the missing statement is required for the Visa Application. But that's ok, as I only need my local branch to stamp a downloaded printed PDF of the statement to meet Home Office requirements. 

I enter RBS Dalkeith Branch full of the joys of new friendship, Shetland catch up and tunes - still happy. You'll be sensing the impending doom..... 

It was a case of computer says no. 

I'm going to spare you all the sordid details, but in brief, here is what happened. 

The Cashier said he could not stamp my online printed PDF statement. 

"Then can you give me a letter of confirmation on headed paper from the branch, confirming my printed online PDF statement?" I naively ask.

"Not possible, we can only certify statements issued within the last 6 months ". 

I ask to speak to the manager. The manager is on the phone. The Cashier and I go round in circles. I ask to speak to the manager again. The manager sends a verbal message that I have to order a new statement. 

I accept this and the cashier orders it. "That will be posted to you within 5-7 working days" he says. This is no good to us. It's the 1st of February and we must submit by 7th of this month. 

From that point on things deteriorated. There was an ever growing queue as the Cashier tried his poor best to help me whilst his colleague at the next desk tried and failed to keep up with demand. The queue extended out of the front door.... There were other staff around (doing not a lot as far as I could see, when and if dared look up toward the queue) but my problem, it seemed, was not within their remit. 

I stood there for around 40 minutes, publicly humiliated. At no point was I offered an apology or a more private space to deal with this clearly very personal and distressing situation. We are genuinely facing the prospect that without the original Bank Statement or a verified copy, Adie's Visa application will not meet requirements and he will be deported. Home Office requirements are very clear and you simply must meet them. I was armed with a letter from my Immigration Lawyer explaining what was required, but to no avail. I did explain all of this to the cashier. Repeatedly. I asked him to tell the Manager. I have no way of knowing if he did or not, because at no point did anyone more senior come to talk to me. 

After a 3rd attempt to speak to management and appeal for discretionary action, the Cashier returned saying that the Manager would not see me, would not verify a statement and that I could not book an appointment with the manager. So holding in a flood of tears, I left. 

I was handed a complaints leaflet on my way out.

After a restorative bowl of soup (I am a Scot after all, there's nothing a hearty plate o soup'll no sort), I plucked up the courage to phone the complaints line. Would you believe it - it's just RBS's standard phone line. I thought they had given me a direct contact to Complaints. Aye Right. 

I call and explain. A very pleasant soul tells me he can order me a replacement statement that will arrive in 3-5 working days. 

"3-5 days", I exclaim! "My branch didn't tell me that."

I order. It's still risky, it doesn't guarantee delivery in time. But it's an improvement and I'll take it.

"Is there any way to pay for a faster service?" I am a fool to ask. Of course there isn't.

I ask to be put through to complaints. Another stupid question. I don't get to call them, they e-mail me back in the next 5 working days. I stand my ground - I am not available next week, it has to be now. 

I WIN! He agrees to put me through. Amy 1 - RBS roughly  53,546748. Still, it feels good.

I am transferred to complaints. I speak to a kind human being. He did answer the phone as “Ben from Natwest”, which I wasn’t overly worried about, as I have no idea who owns RBS. I know they and Ulster Bank are as one, so why not Natwest? I told him the story. 

I opened with “I went to my RBS Branch in Dalkeith today because……..” and told him the whole story. 

He listened sympathetically, he apologised. Then he said “I work for Natwest, I’ll need to put you through to RBS”

Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. I mentioned my opening statement about RBS. I can’t even remember what he said in reply. 

After an hour on the phone I reach RBS complaints. I may as well be back in the Dalkeith Branch. I am asked if I am making one or two complaints - I explain that I haven’t made a complaint before, so I really don’t know how best to proceed, so please can the advise me. He advises two. I agree.

Complaint number 1 is that the RBS Dalkeith Branch won’t verify the statement. This complaint is rejected because statement verification is discretionary to the branch (now they tell me). I have a mini-meltdown when he asks me if I am “happy for the grounds on which this complaint is rejected”. I explain that I am not “HAPPY”. After some protracted discussion around semantics we revert to one complaint. Now I understand why he wanted me to go for two.

I recite the rest of my woes. At one point he says “we’ll credit your account with £30 compensation today”. I say he’d better not, that I am totally insulted that my married life with my husband when in jeopardy could possibly be compensated with £30. I started crying at that point. 

My complaint is in the system. I will be allowed to take it to the financial ombudsman. I expect this is far too trivial a matter for them, but hey it’s worth a shot. I am leaving RBS, but before that I would love this story to be spread far and wide. 

We still have no guarantee that we will receive the missing statement in time to submit with Adie’s Visa application. Please do a dance, say a prayer, keep us in your thoughts. 

And share this post if you know anyone that could help us get a single original or verified bank statement from RBS by Wednesday next week. Or share it so that no-one else need go through this and RBS might just get the message and change their ways.

My day hasn't all been bad, thanks to the Celia’s of this world. 

[hudsonmckenzie]

UK’s new migration strategy

This summer, few policy sectors have come under as much scrutiny as immigration. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is under pressure to address the division and finally implement his agenda to "reduce dependence on migration" after bringing order during the recent riots.

The new strategy, which links labor market demands and immigration policy, was presented by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper in her first parliamentary address on July 30, 2024. This is a synopsis:

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper made it clear that Labour will not change the current immigration policies of the Conservatives. This is something to be noted by an immigration lawyer in Ireland. As a result, the following will continue to be upheld:

Most overseas students were subject to new regulations starting on January 1st, which limited their ability to bring family members to the UK.

Measures prohibiting caregivers and senior caregivers from introducing dependents were introduced on March 11. also required registration with the Care Quality Commission for all caregivers who sponsor migrant labor.

4 April: A significant 48% increase was made to the general wage requirement for applicants seeking a skilled worker visa, from £26,200 to £38,700.

4 April: The new Immigration Salary List took the place of the Shortage Occupation List, doing away with the 20% going rate discount. Employers now have an obligation to pay migrant workers in shortage occupations at the same rate as UK workers. This is quite

23 May: New rules on the admission of overseas students were announced in response to the Migration Advisory Committee's prompt assessment of the Graduate route.

Resolving Skill Shortages With the UK Workforce's Upskilling

Yvette Cooper also emphasized Labour's resolve to address the shortage of domestic skills in order to lessen the UK's reliance on foreign labor. Says she:

"The high rates of international recruitment at the moment are a reflection of labor market weaknesses, particularly the UK's ongoing skills shortage." 

 "We are laying out a different approach, one that connects labor market policies and skills to immigration policy and visa controls, so immigration is not used as a substitute for training or solving domestic workforce issues."

The government has enhanced the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to collaborate with Skills England as part of the plans. Additionally, it has given the MAC the task of examining how much the engineering and IT sectors depend on foreign labor.

Substituting The Rwanda Scheme

Although the controversial Rwanda policy of the Conservative Party was one of the Labour Party's first decisions, it has not resulted in the "open-door policy" that some on the extreme right of UK politics had predicted. Labour, on the other hand, says it is committed to pursuing strict immigration laws.

Immigration reduction is still a top concern. However, there are differences in the approaches to deterrence and immigration reduction. Starmer claims that the Rwandan policy has "never been a deterrent" and implies that it would be accountable for deporting "less than 1%" of small boat arrivals. Instead, the administration intends to address the root causes of migration and tighten border controls.

Solidifying Border Control

Instead of using the anticipated funds for Rwandan deportation plans, Starmer intends to bolster border security. The administration intends to move forward with a new directive that calls for the appointment of an "exceptional" person to coordinate the actions of law enforcement, intelligence services, border force, and immigration enforcement.

The Home Secretary declared that the new command would constitute a "major upgrade in law enforcement," with much of the funding coming from the deportation plan from Rwanda.

The goal is to take on and destroy the smuggling organizations that are in charge of the hordes of boat crossings. It would "do less and somehow expect to achieve more," according to conservative arguments.

Additionally, the government intends to transfer funding for the Bibby Stockholm barge and other asylum-holding facilities in the UK into clearing the backlog of cases with expedited asylum case processing rather than extending the barge's lease past January 2025.

[immigration-solicitors-uk]

When Do You Need to Hire UK Immigration Solicitor?

The UK immigration system is very complex, and people often seek the assistance of an immigration lawyer to help them with their immigration issues.

UK Immigration lawyers have special training in the area of immigration law and they are mainly dedicated to assisting clients through the immigration system. The UK immigration system is not simple and the issues that immigration lawyers can help you with are vast. They may assist with visa applications, citizenship applications, and asylum claims as well as they can also help you with complex issues such as complications surrounding immigration status, immigration detention and deportation, and human rights claims.

You can even take expert immigration lawyers' services if you want to enter the UK or emigrate from the UK.  They can also assist you in your businesses with your immigration needs. These services may include help with sponsor license applications and renewals so that a company can hire overseas workers, as well as assistance with different business visa applications.

When it is to navigation of the immigration system, it can become overwhelming easily. There are so many types of visas, immigration statuses, and immigration laws that vary depending on each individual's circumstances. So many are not sure where to even start their immigration journey or how to approach solving the problem they face. The best lawyers know that every immigration issue is not the same which is why they offer bespoke advice sessions suitable to your specific circumstances.

[rasolicitors]

CAN IMMIGRATION SOLICITORS HELP YOU MOVE TO THE UK?

While deciding to move to the UK from outside the EEA may be the right decision for you – whether to reunite you with loved ones or provide you with better job opportunities – there are no guarantees that the visa process will be a successful or smooth one. However, there is one way of helping to mitigate the risk of failure and make the process far simpler and less stressful, and that’s by working with an immigration solicitor.

Can you move to the UK?

For anyone living outside the EEA, moving to the UK will only be possible with a visa, the terms of which must be abided by strictly at all times. Each visa type has its own criteria, coupled with different terms to abide by once you arrive in the UK, and choosing the right one can be a veritable nightmare. Enter the UK on the wrong visa, or overstay once it has expired, and you are at a very real risk of being deported.

Applying for the right type of visa is made easier with the help of an immigration solicitor, and you’d be strongly advised to work with them from the outset, to achieve your desired outcome. While they cannot grant you a visa and determine whether you’re allowed to stay in the UK, they can certainly do their very best to get you the result you want.

How can an immigration solicitor help get you into the UK?

There are a whole host of reasons why individuals or even families, may want to move to the UK, and most reputable immigration solicitors will have had experience with all of them. With their expert knowledge of the law, they’ll help you apply for the right visa to do the following:

- Start a business, or invest in one

- Attend a conference or carry out a business trip

- Work, either on a temporary or long-term basis

- Conduct studies or carry out research

- Receive private medical treatment

- Visit family or friends for a short trip, or take a vacation

- Bring family with you

- What if you want to settle permanently in the UK?

For those who already have a visa, with the help of an expert immigration solicitor, you may be able to extend it and stay in the UK for longer, or if you want to apply for settlement, they can help you achieve permanent residency in the UK.

Navigating the visa process is never easy, but with an immigration solicitor working on your behalf, you never need to worry about filling in the wrong information, or missing anything out on your application. Such mistakes, incidentally, can result in your application being refused, or at the very least, substantially delayed.

Moving to another country is a big and costly decision to make, regardless of your reasons for wanting to do so, and as such, it pays to try and get it right the first time, by working with an immigration solicitor.

Helping you select the right visa, apply for it successfully and continuing to support you once you arrive in the UK, immigration solicitors are there to help you achieve your dream, and make sure that you do so safely and as swiftly as possible.

Rasolicitors.com is a prominent law firm in Manchester that offers a comprehensive range of legal services. Our team of Manchester solicitors has particular expertise in the areas of conveyancing, personal injury and immigration, and we are now able to offer the services of solicitors who specialise in Family Law, and Employment Law and more. Our Manchester immigration lawyers, can help you with all your immigration needs.

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

““I think it is a matter of public interest that border service agencies like the CBSA are able to obtain access to DNA results from sites like Familytreedna.com and Ancestry.com,” said Subodh Bharati, a lawyer who is representing a man who says he’s Liberian, but who the government is now trying to prove is actually Nigerian. “There are clear privacy concerns. How is the CBSA able to access this information and what measures are being put in place to ensure this information remains confidential?”

Bharati, who is representing his client through CLASP, the legal aid clinic at Osgoode Hall Law School, said he is aware of at least two individuals who used Familytreedna.com, one in the UK, who have been contacted by the CBSA seeking to deport someone from Canada.

“Individuals using these sites to look at their family tree should be aware that their confidential information is being made available to the government and that border agents may contact them to help facilitate the deportation of migrants,” he said.

Both companies deny working with law enforcement.

Franklin Godwin, one of Bharati’s clients, who was accepted as a refugee from Liberia and granted permanent resident status in 1996, was charged two years later with importing and conspiring to import heroin and sentenced to seven years in jail. Because of the seriousness of his criminal convictions, Godwin’s permanent residence status was taken away and the government ordered him deported back to Liberia.

"Individuals using these sites to look at their family tree should be aware [it may] help facilitate the deportation of migrants."

But when he arrived in Liberia in 2003, accompanied by Canadian immigration officials and with a travel certificate in hand from the Liberian embassy in Ghana, he was denied entry into the country by Liberian officials, who claimed that only the embassy in Washington could issue a legitimate document, and that what he had was fake.

Godwin was brought back to Canada. The government also tried to deport him in 2005, but he was rejected once more, with officials claiming again he wasn’t a Liberian national. He was brought back.

Since then, Godwin has been ricocheting between the criminal justice system — with multiple charges of theft, fraud, breaching bail conditions — and the CBSA.” ...

Godwin has never seen the results of the first test, and neither has Bharati. He points out that Godwin was facing indefinite detention in a maximum security prison and was willing to do anything to get himself out, including providing his DNA.

“It’s his DNA that they’re using to determine his nationality and they’re not releasing this test results to him for some sort of privacy concern — they say they don’t want him to reach out to these individuals that they’ve found in his family tree, despite the fact that he’s in a maximum security prison,” said Bharati, adding that the whole premise of using DNA to establish nationality is flawed since ethnic origin doesn’t necessarily tell what someone’s citizenship is.

A similar issue arose in the case of Olajide Ogunye, a Canadian who was detained for eight months after the CBSA claimed his fingerprints matched those of a failed refugee claimant who they believed had returned to Canada illegally. The agency has never produced the fingerprint sample they used to identify Ogunye. He’s now suing the Canadian government for $10 million for wrongful arrest and negligent investigation.

Jared Will, another Toronto-based immigration lawyer, has also had two clients who had their DNA analyzed on the website FamilytreeDNA.com. He described the process as “extorted consent.” In one case, the agency was trying to establish Gambian nationality, and in the other, Ghanaian. Both samples were taken in 2017. "They can’t really say no.”

“In both cases, I think what they were looking for is evidence of the country to which they wanted to deport them,” said Will. “But in both cases, clients are in detention and if they don’t do what’s asked of them to facilitate removal, non-cooperation is used against them, so they can’t really say no.”

Bharati has also found that Godwin’s story of being denied entry at the border isn’t unique for Liberian nationals. Emails obtained through access to information reveal immigration officials repeatedly mention how difficult it is to deport someone to Liberia and the lack of cooperation from Liberian officials even when deportees have documents that have been issued by the Liberian government. Emails reference officials in Monrovia “bouncing back our cases for no apparent reason,” and Canadian officials often being told that the identity of the person they’re sending or the documentation is fraudulent. In one email, a CBSA officer says he was told by a UN police officer that because there was an election coming up, Liberian officials were reluctant to let people in because they didn’t want deportees to change the outcome of the election.

“It’s not the case that Mr. Godwin is lying — Liberia doesn’t repatriate its own citizens, especially the ones that have criminal records so Canada brings him back,” Bharati told VICE News.

But Canada now seems to be taking their word. They conducted a linguistics analysis with Godwin using a Swedish company called Sprakab, which concluded that he doesn’t sound Liberian, using a 24-minute recording taken in 2017. Godwin’s lawyer Subodh Bharati doesn’t know where the recording came from and hasn’t been allowed to hear it.” - Tamara Khandaker, “Canada is using ancestry DNA websites to help it deport people.” VICE News, July 26, 2018.