Thais, Jhoselin and Justina belong in Lewisham!

Hope it's not too late to highlight the plight of this Lewisham family, facing imminent deportation. According to Lewisham Anti-Racist Action Group:

'Thais and Jhoselin arrived in the UK with their mother Justina Grajeda and their father in 2002. Their father died tragically in 2007 in a bike accident. The girls were 8 and 9 when they arrived, and have done very well in two Lewisham schools. Now aged 16, they are described as grade A students, and both have places at local sixth forms. The have integrated well into their schools and the community, and have made significant friendships.

Since coming to the UK, the girls have become disconnected from the customs and the way of life in Bolivia. Their education and future well-being would be severely affected if they were removed from the UK at this crucial time in their lives.

The family’s application to remain in the UK has recently been turned down by the Home Office. This decision has brought great stress to this family, especially to the girls, who have been trying to come to terms with the unexpected recent death of their father. We call on the Home Secretary to grant this family the right to stay in the UK, where have built their lives. They are an asset to our community'.

There's a petition here.