Vol 4/6
July/August
1999

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'Model citizen' faces deportation

Christians in south London are backing the campaign to save 30 year old businessman Ben James from deportation.

Led by his parish church, St John's, Peckham, Christians of all denominations are petitioning, campaigning and praying for him. Ben told The Bridge "It is difficult to express what their support has meant...the words 'Thank you', are just inadequate."

Ben James came to Britain in 1983, as a 14 year old schoolboy. When his family stopped sending money for his fees, he sold his possessions to buy a one-way ticket to Nigeria. After five days he was sent back to the UK because his family were in danger of political persecution.

At 15, alone in a bed-sitter, he supported himself by washing dishes and doing paper rounds. "My only concern was staying alive and finishing my education." Ben is now studying for an MBA.

Today Ben has his own flat in East Dulwich, his own small business and a growing circle of friends. He pays taxes, has a National Insurance number, a driving licence and a mortgage. CRE Chairman, Sir Herman Ousley, recently wrote to Home Secretary Jack Straw describing Ben as a "model citizen".

The struggle began in 1991 when Ben approached the Home Office to sort out his status. Technically he is an 'overstayer' and within weeks he received a notice of intention to deport! Since then he has gone through 8 years of hearings, appeals, detentions.

In July Ben is in the High Court for the second judicial review of his case. If he loses the next step is the European Courts. He estimates it has cost him £30,000 in legal fees so far - but refuses to give up.

"This is my home. Nigeria is a foreign country. I don't speak the language anymore and I have no connections there," he said.

"I have had nothing and want nothing from the state. All I want is peace of mind - the peace of mind I have never had".

Backing Ben in his fight are his 'family' at St John's, Peckham. "I have always believed in God" said Ben "But as a child I met so much hypocrisy from those who claimed to be Christians that I lost faith in the church.

"I met Fr. Malcom Johnson (St John's Vicar), we talked and I saw what real Christians were like. Since that day I have had nothing but love and support from St John's - and many other Christians from nuns to bishops. The church is my family now - and I am determined not to be separated from them".

On 1 June Ben was arrested when with Malcolm Johnson he went to 'sign on' as usual at Peckham Police Station. He was taken to Gatwick and held in detention and released minutes from deportation after his solicitor intervened. Malcolm Johnson, who by a twist of fate, is UK Commissary for a Nigerian diocese, describes Ben as "a much needed role model. His success is impressive and his influence within our congregation so valuable - he is generous in helping black people work towards the level of success he has achieved. We have many young, gifted black people who need the encouragement Ben provides to those held back by acute poverty and who are underperforming in our schools. I can't stress enough the value of his contribution".

Among those backing Ben's fight to stay are the Daily Express, who have gathered thousands of letters and signatures, prospective London Mayor Trevor Philips who described Ben's deportation as "absurd" and "unfair", MP Tessa Jowell and Sir Herman Ousley. Messages are flooding in to Home Secretary Jack Straw, who will decide Ben's future.

If you would like to know more about Ben's case to stay in the UK, check out the campaign web-site on www.brymor.freeserve.co.uk/ben/ or you can fax your message of support to 020-7922 7702

Asylum Bill in the Lords

Bishop Tom spoke on the Immigration and Asylum Bill in the House of Lords on 29 June.

He welcomed many elements but reported widespread misgivings. Asylum seekers who are likely to become destitute will, initially at least, be eligible for only 70% of the assistance given to UK citizens, itself short of actual needs. Children seeking asylum would no longer receive cash support but would be transferred to the voucher system "with all the shame and stigma that can involve".

The Bishop emphasised "In general the Bill deliberately offers assistance at a level known to be less than adequate, in a manner known to be humiliating and according to a criterion known to be indiscriminate."

The Bill will shortly move to the Committee Stage and we shall give further reports in future issues of The Bridge

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