STUDENT’S PLEA TO SAVE PARENTS FROM DEPORTATION
Newcastle Evening Chronicle, UK
October 25, 2011 Tuesday
TWO talented university students fear they may never see their parents
again if their appeal for asylum is rejected.
Lusi and Arsen Manukyan have lived in Wallsend, North Tyneside,
with their parents Kamo and Nonna for nearly four years.
And after a recent court decision, the students were granted asylum.
However, their parents’ separate claim has been rejected, meaning
they face deportation back to Armenia and Uzbekistan at any time.
Now Lusi, 20, and Arsen, 21, who both started university in September,
fear they may never see their parents again.
Lusi, who scored top grades at A-level and is now studying Government
and the European Union at Newcastle University, said: “I am really
happy that my brother and I are allowed to stay and we are both
settling into university well.
“But the fact that the asylum claim is still looming over my parents
is just horrible. If they are sent back I just don’t know what will
be left here for me and Arsen.
“Once again we have to fight against their decision. It’s
just exhausting, we should be able to get on with our lives and
university.” Bosses at the Home Office have said Lusi and Edinburgh
University student Arsen can stay in the UK for three years, but will
need to make a fresh claim after that.
At the immigration hearing, Judge Cope said: “In many years sitting
as an immigration adjudicator and then an immigration judge, I have
not dealt with a case which has had appellants who have provided so
much to the wider public good through voluntary activity.
“I am quite satisfied from the evidence before me that the ties between
the appellants themselves and with their parents are emotionally and
socially strong.”
Meanwhile, Kamo and Nonna are due to attend a judicial review this
week to appeal against the Home Office’s decision.
If their appeal is rejected Kamo could be forced to go back to
Uzbekistan, while Nonna is made to return to Armenia, where she
has citizenship.
In a letter to the parents, the Home Office said: “As you and your
wife have not been found to be in need of international protection
and have no other leave, it is considered necessary in a democratic
society for the prevention of disorder or crime and to protect the
rights and freedoms of others.
“As such, it is considered that your removal, even to different
countries, is in pursuit of a legitimate aim.”
The family fled Uzbekistan in 2007 after persecution. But since
finding a home in the North East, they have become pillars in the
local community and have done thousands of hours of volunteering
between them.
Lusi and Arsen are part of several youth drama and music groups,
and parents Kamo and Nonna volunteer at the Age Concern cafe at Mea
House, Newcastle.
This week Lusi will receive a national award at a ceremony in Warwick
for her volunteering work in Newcastle.
Only this week Kamo finished a 300-mile sponsored walk to raise money
for Arsen’s university fees and the family’s local church.
Lusi said: “I was really proud of my dad – it was amazing to see him
do this. Only last year he had a heart attack and now he’s done this.
“People couldn’t believe the challenge he was taking on but he’s
proved so many people wrong.”
A UK Border Agency spokesman said: “It would be inappropriate to
comment as this case is due to be heard by an immigration judge
this week.
“The UK has a proud history of providing refuge to those in genuine
need of our protection, with every case being carefully considered
on its individual merits.”
To support the Manukyan family, visit their Facebook page called
Manukyan family must stay.