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I have mulled over these articles about immigration in the UK and while some have very interesting and plausible facts I fear that some opinions are little more than that.....opinions. My partner came here 9 years ago after fleeing from an Eastern country. Before I tell you the reason why please allow me to give you an insight as to what life has been like for him since. On arrival in 2000 he was given a place to live by the government and permission to work. Immediately (with very poor English) he managed to find a job in a factory where the immigrants worked 14 hour shifts 6 days per week for 4 an hour (which I believe is illegal). After this the factory was closed and he was jobless. Never once did he claim benefits because unlike English people who have benefits put into their bank accounts, immigrants must go to the post office weekly and receive food vouchers. In 2006, after being in steady employment for around three years (paying tax and national insurance), he took out a loan and set up a business which serves British people and employs British people, gets stung with taxes, business tax, council tax....just the same as any other small business in this country, and has been hit as hard by the current recession as the next business. He recently had his right to work revoked meaning he has had to close his business causing further unemployment after letting his staff go, was detained for two months in an immigrant detention centre, and has been forced to sign weekly at the local police station like a criminal. Regardless of the scandalous stories we read in the Sunday newspapers, our government does not pay for their benefits and cars, they receive a grant from the UN which supports immigrants in all countries INCLUDING Brits who emigrate and seek benefits and medical help elsewhere. He has not seen his family since he came here 9 years ago as if he leaves he cannot return, despite being in a long term relationship and having a business here.

Now I shall tell you what my partner did to deserve to be treat like an animal. While walking past a peaceful protest, he and his friend witnessed a pregnant woman with a small child in her arms being brutally attacked by members of the Hasbollah. They tried to stop this attack and were arrested. After their release the Hasbollah returned to my partners friends house to re-arrest him and when his mother tried to defend him she was shot dead along with his father and brother. Now I ask you, if you were faced with the death of your family, would you run to protect them? I think I would. Before you next judge an immigrant think about your mother, father and brother and ask what you would do. All he did was save an innocent woman and her children and as a result he had to flee to another country in the back of a wagon and has been put in a cage ever since.

Learn more about this author, Gemma Lynes.
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