Strangers into Citizens

Paul

Paul came to Britain from a West African country with a false French passport in December 2000. His sister was already in London and found him somewhere to live with friends from their home country. His brother in law took him to a solicitor in January 2001 to help him make a claim for asylum. Paul spoke no English and his brother in law was not able to accompany him to the solicitor every time. Paul was unable to fully explain his need for asylum.

Once his asylum claim had been received, he was required to report to an immigration reporting centre every month. In June 2001 Paul was called to an interview with the immigration service. Outside the building he spoke to a solicitor on the phone who advised him not to go in, as they would deport him.

At the next meeting in the solicitor's office the solicitor said he would explain that Paul had not gone to interview because of ill health. He did not do this, however, and Paul's asylum claim was rejected on grounds of non-compliance. Paul stopped reporting, and went "underground".

Later, with another solicitor, he made a fresh claim. This was also refused.

In 2003 Paul was recommended and excellent solicitor who was very helpful and understanding but charged around £2000 for her services. As Paul could not pay this she sent him to another solicitor who, when he had got legal aid, set about making another asylum claim. When this failed Paul went underground again.

In 2004 Paul was picked up in a random police check. He was then detained at Harmondsworth Detention Centre and expected to be removed. Nevertheless, due to violence and political instability the Home Office stopped removals to his home country. After 40 days and with yet another solicitor Paul was able to get bail to reside at his sister's address.

In March 2005 Paul made a new claim for asylum. He has had no reply to this in nearly two years. He still lives with his sister and continues to pay his solicitor.

During his time underground Paul worked as a kitchen porter. The pay was poor and the conditions dreadful. "The only thing they didn't do was spit on us" he says.

Paul is an active volunteer supporting other refugees and asylum seekers. He set up and now leads a community organisation for people from his homeland.