Boris Asked To Help Thame Worker Stay

A 27 year-old New Zealander who has lived and worked in Thame for over five years, has asked MP Boris Johnson to help him fight for permanent residency in England.
Vaughan Humphries, who is a popular figure behind the bar of the Bird Cage in Thame, and works during the day for a local Design company, recently had an application for ‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’ in the country turned down by the Home Office. He has set up an on-line petition to which he hopes all his friends and those who know him in Thame, will add their names to support his claim.
Vaughan told ThameNews: “I have been in Thame for over five years now, and recently applied for Indefinite Leave to Remain – i.e. Permanent Residency. I have been doing absolutely everything legitimately along the way when it has come to seeking citizenship. Red tape seems to have blocked every avenue I have tied. The Home Office rejected my application on the grounds that there was no evidence to support my claim that I have been here in the UK for the duration I stated, even though I have a whole town who can vouch for me being here, I have a National Health Number and have been paying tax. Before I could even think about appealing, I read on and discovered to cover themselves, the Home Office refuse to appeal any cases.
“I was livid when I read that, so contacted Boris Johnson’s Office, who have said they will champion my cause. I do not have to leave the UK, as I am on a five year work permit that expires in October 2007. However, because of this I am effectively a second-class citizen, unable to further my career or be in the position to buy a house.
“Coming in at airports and travelling through Europe is a nightmare. Returning home to Thame after a long flight is depressing, as I face the ‘Spanish Inquisition’ each time I approach the immigration desk, whilst I watch three plane loads of EU nationals waltz through.”
Vaughan, who has several Degrees and plays the saxaphone in the Thame Town Band, concluded: “Thame has become my home and all I want to do is to settle here as a permanent citizen and not be chained to a work permit.”
To sign Vaughan’s petition, visit click here