Pity the refugee

Before and after work this week I have been editing a 150-page guide for refugees and asylum seekers. It covers everything from accessing health care, education, and food pantries to Northern Ireland’s political and cultural history.

Many chapters cover the tortuous process of trying to gain refugee status. There are so many steps, so many appeals at different levels, so many reviews, so many rules--it leaves me with the impression that the British have no intention of letting you in (90%-plus applications are denied), but they want to feel good about giving you every possible chance to appeal on every possible grounds--all while you are living hand to mouth and trying to pay for a lawyer.

Here is an excerpt regarding one of three times you will visit the UK Border Control office for an interview:

You should bear in mind that the interviewer may not have a particularly strong knowledge of the country or specific area that you come from, nor the political or social climate that exists there. It is therefore important that you explain as clearly as you can why you fled from your home country. Try to provide your story in chronological order. Therefore give:

1. The context – i.e. the background to why you left. This should include what kind of circumstances you were born into, whether you are from a rich or poor family or a minority that suffers from oppression in your home country for example.

2. You should then explain the series of events or particular incident that made you leave. Try to remember the precise dates when things occurred but if you cannot remember these, then make sure you explain this to the interviewer.

3. The future – this is the most important part of your story because to prove that you need protection you have to show that you are at risk of serious harm or death if you return to your home country. No matter how bad your situation was, refugee status will not be granted if there appears to be no reason why you cannot return and live safely in your home country. As part of this you will probably be asked why you cannot move to another city or area in your home country. If moving in such a way is not an option, or you already tried to do so, explain this to the interviewer. Likewise you will be asked whether you have any family in the area and whether they have suffered the same persecution as you. If members of your family have also claimed asylum in Northern Ireland, elsewhere in the UK, or any other country let the interviewer know where they are and if they fled for the same reason as you.
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