Police chief backs Brian White over deportation threat
West Midlands crime chief David Jamieson is calling on the Home Office to ‘act quickly’ and ‘see sense’ over Brian White.
Brian met with the police and crime commissioner this afternoon to discuss his case.
Following the meeting Mr Jamieson, said: “This is a distressing situation for anyone to find themselves in. When I heard Brian’s story I felt so angry for him. Brian is an exceptionally bright and talented young man and he must be allowed to fulfil his full potential. I am urging the Home Office to act quickly, show compassion and see sense. Brian’s case should be fast tracked so he can complete his education in Britain.”
Brian said: “I’m very grateful to the Police and Crime Commissioner for the support he’s offered me. If I’m deported it would turn my life upside down. My friends and my family are all in the UK. To leave them would be heart breaking. When I was offered a place at Oxford University I was over the moon. Now my life, as I know it, is hanging by a thread.”
Mr White, who is now 21, lived in a Zimbabwean orphanage until the age of six. He was fostered and later adopted by the White family, who moved to Botswana and later returned to the UK.
But after winning a place at Oxford University the Home Office is saying he is living in the country illegally and faces deportation.
In 2014, his application to become a British citizen by naturalisation was rejected as when he arrived in the UK, he was granted limited leave to remain by the Home Office, rather than indefinite leave. His family appealed, but that was also rejected. He is now awaiting the decision of a current application.
