Strathearn residents plea to Home Office

Sep 10 2010 by Lynn Duke, Strathearn Herald

Alonsos2

STRATHEARN residents are showing their support for a Crieff family who have been told they have to return to their homeland of Argentina.

Leo and Andrea Alonso have lived here since 2002 and their son Rafael was born in this country. The family are well respected members of the Crieff community.

However, when Leo applied to extend his visa he forgot to sign the cheque. It took officials over four weeks to notify him of his error, by which time the deadline for his application had expired. The Alonsos are now deemed to be in “overstay” and have now been told they must leave the country by September 20 for failing to renew on time.

The ruling has also meant that the couple have had to give up their jobs. Leo had a teaching contract with Perth and Kinross Council and Andrea worked at Knock Castle.

Friends and neighbours are desperate to see the family remain and are urgently trying to raise awareness of the couple’s case. Since last Wednesday 600 people have signed an online petition sponsored by Pastor Bernie Holford of Crieff’s Seventh-day Adventist Church.

He told the Herald: “A group of us felt passionately about finding a way of helping them stay in the country and if there is any last-minute method of changing the mind of the Home Secretary we felt that we should try to do that. Leo and Andrea have made such a positive contribution to the Crieff community, volunteering and helping in many different capacities, and we would love to see them being able to stay.”

Rev. Bob Rodd cannot understand why this is happening to people who have never been a drain on resources and are integrated into the community.

“I have known the Alonsos for almost 10 years,” he said. “They have been so valuable as leaders of the Pathfinder Club and the Youth Club. Both have taught Spanish as part of Strathlearning. Leo has been a volunteer coach with local gymnastic and volleyball clubs and Andrea has been wonderful visiting some of our congregation’s aged members and helping them with shopping and cleaning.

“They are a tremendous family and just what society wants. They are here legally and have done everything possible through the proper channels to stay here.”

Local MP Gordon Banks is disturbed by the decision and is also fighting the family’s corner.

He is urging the Home Office to review Mr Alonso’s case in light of his acceptance through the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme, his standing in the community and his commitment to be an active contributor to the UK.

In a letter to the Home Secretary Mr Banks said: “Whilst I recognise there is great interest in the immigration policy of the UK at all levels of our society, I am disturbed that a family that has been in the UK for 8-9 years, with a child born in the UK, where Mr Alonso has been in paid employment and as a result paying UK taxes and where integration into the community has been so complete are caught up in the process in a way that will have negative impact on the family concerned and does nothing to recognise the Alonso family’s contribution to life in the UK.”

The popular family have already started packing up their home as they prepare for the worst.

Andrea (36) said: “Thank you very much to all our friends. They have told us not to give up. Friends have done so much.

“We love this country and we love the people. We have built up a social network we would miss if we had to go home.

“So many people are helping us without us asking.”

Leo (34) added: “We wouldn’t like to see this happen to others. New rulings have come in but they are also affecting those providing for themselves.

“We understand why immigration laws have to be tough but they should also consider what people can bring to the country.

“Whether the petition works or not, we will treasure the gesture our friends are making.”