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Mum tells of ‘deported’ church volunteer daughter’s heartbreak
A MOTHER has criticised immigration officials who barred a group of Methodists from Florida – among them her daughter – who were on their way to Islington.
Annette Shirley contacted the Tribune by email after the party of 14, mainly teenagers, were turned back at Gatwick last week under new anti-terrorism rules. They had flown over to do voluntary work at an Islington church.
Ms Shirley described how her 14-year-old daughter had her fingerprints and photograph taken by immigration officers after being searched. She said: “They asked her questions she had no idea how to answer. She has been deported from a country she has dreamed of visiting her entire life.
“She has her deportation letter and just looking at it she starts crying.”
The volunteers, from First United Methodist Church of Okeechobee, planned to visit Islington Central Methodist Church in Liverpool Road, where they would have helped with decorating.
Under a system designed to deter illegal workers and potential terrorists, religious workers and charity volunteers must apply for a certificate of sponsorship and a visa. American tourists would normally not require visas.
Pastor Jim Dawson described how the group were “relieved of their personal belongings, fingerprinted, photographed and patted down. “
They were told by an immigration officer that they would be sent back to Florida as soon as they could book the plane.
Mr Dawson added: “We were marched with an escort of 7-10 security people on to the plane. But before we could get on the plane we had to be searched again.
“Those who were boarding had to wait and watch us board as it was announced who we were. There is nothing enjoyable about being up for more than 48 hours; I am still stunned today about what took place.” |
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