My abusive father is trying to get me deported

[ineedadvice8745]

Hi I am 16f and an immigrant. I came to the U.K. when I was 6 years old because my mother is an EU national. My father was physically and emotionally abusive causing me to run away to live with my mum. I now need to apply for British citizenship as I don't have a legal status in this country. I am eligible and have all of the paperwork done we just need my fathers consent which he refuses to give. There is no valid reason for this he is just trying to punish me. When I turn 18 I will essentially be illegal and at risk of deportation. I have lived here my whole life, I don't speak any language other than English and I'm only 16. What can we do?

You need advice from an immigration lawyer or similar
There must be a way round this, not everyone has contact with their father for example

www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk/advice_information/i-need-immigration-advice/#:~:text=JCWI%20is%20an%20independent%20national,asylum%20and%20nationality%20law%20matters.

These people might be able to advise

Try contacting the Refugee Council

You need urgent advice from a lawyer or immigration adviser registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner.

The first question you need to explore is whether your mother was ever granted permanent residence as an EU citizen (or has applied now under the settlement scheme) and whether you were or could be granted permanent residence as her dependant.

I think there is a mean to apply if you’ve lived in the uk as a child for 10 years. Look into it. Who are you living with right now?

You can also contact this charity for advice www.hereforgoodlaw.org/about-us

Or this one who specialise in registration for minors: prcbc.org/

Can’t you get settled status?

Call the Rights of Women Immigration and Asylum Law helpline:
rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-advice/immigration-and-asylum-law/#2-immigration-and-asylum-law-line
The opening hours are limited but lines are open today (Thursday) until 5pm.

Sorry to hear your father is being so difficult. It must be very difficult for you.

The good news is that if you are the child of an EU national and you have been resident in UK for ten years you are entitled to apply for settled status under the terms of the Brexit agreement. You will not be deported. Your father cannot prevent this.

Is your mother still in the UK? Has she applied for settled status herself? The normal procedure is for her to apply and then to submit applications apply for any children under the age of 21. If she cannot help you, you can try asking a teacher, social worker or local citizens advice. The process can appear daunting at first - especially if you are a teenager - but there will be help out there.

www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/apply-settled-status-for-child