while we're off topic or on I would like to remind everyone that this
government has still not made any promises to repeal the Asylum &
Immigration Acts of the last government.
RESTORE BENEFITS TO ASYLUM SEEKERS
Asylum seekers currently only receive help under the National Assistance
Act of 1948 ( and this is only thanks to the British High Court). This
means that they receive no cash, only the most basic food and
accommodation. Nor are they entitled to the other basic benefits of
those on income support, such as free school meals.
FREE THOSE IN DETENTION
Far more asylum seekers are being held in detention than the government
admits, and their conditions are worse than in prison. They do not
`enjoy' even the basic facilities of a prison, and there is no clear
legal process for their case. Many are ill upon arrival and receive
inadequate medical attention.
RIGHT OF APPLICATION
Before the 1993 Asylum & Immigration Act 16% of all decisions were
refusals. Now 80% of all decisions are refusals.
THE STORIES OF THE ASYLUM SEEKERS HAVE NOT CHANGED, ONLY THE LISTENERS
HAVE CHANGED
To quote Patrick Opendi
They ask me what is my status?
What is my status?
I am a human being. Every human being has a status.
They ask me what are you?
What am I?
I am someone who may be detained
who is `liable to be detained'
* * * *
--
Francis Presley
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