Strangers into Citizens

Mabel

My name is Mabel and I am from Jamaica. I came to the United Kingdom on 4th July 1990, so I have lived here for nearly 17 years. I came to England with an invitation from my friends Mr and Mrs Thompson. I live in Northampton, and am assistant manager of a company which provides care for the elderly in their own homes. I have another job as a subcontractor for a cleaning firm, which I do in the evening. I am also studying psychology part-time at Leicester University.

I am an active member of a Seventh Day Adventist Church in Northampton, and work hard in my local community. I regularly do the catering for funerals, parties and weddings - you just need to ask and I will do it. I also care for my friend Mr Thompson who has had a stroke.

When I arrived in the UK I presented my passport at the Job Centre and was able to obtain a national insurance number and driving license legally. I have lived in a property owned by Northampton Borough Council for the last 11 years. I have never used any false identification and I always use my correct name and address.

Although I have always told the truth and worked hard, I have had a raw deal from the Home Office. I married my husband in 1993, but was not granted leave to remain as the immigration authorities refused to accept the marriage as genuine. I applied for leave to remain again in January of this year, as I have lived in the UK for more than 14 years. The application was originally granted, because of the long time I have lived in the country and the contribution I have made. Nevertheless, two weeks later the decision was reversed. The Home Office did not accept the Judge's decision, and declared that I did not have the right to remain because I did not have family in the UK. It was very confusing and upsetting. Although my husband and I have divorced, I do have family in the country - 2 sisters, a brother, cousins and aunties - as well as my Church which is like a second family to me.

My Church, my family and my local community are all supporting me in appealing against this decision. At the moment I feel really lost. As my story shows, I have made a big contribution to this society and am a valuable member of my community. My dream is to become a British Citizen. I hope that one day the Government will allow me to make this dream a reality.