New Zealand Government to Deport 18-Year-Old Citizen Despite Being Born and Raised in the Country

Navjot Singh, an 18-year-old New Zealander, is facing deportation to India despite being born and raised in Auckland. The decision stems from a law that ended birthright citizenship for those born to parents without lawful immigration status after 2006. Singh's parents, who are of Indian origin, overstayed their visa, and his father was deported when he was just five days old. His mother lost her legal status in 2012 when he was five years old, leaving Singh without access to education, healthcare, and basic rights in New Zealand. The situation has left Singh feeling scared and uncertain about his future, as he has never left New Zealand and speaks little Hindi. Singh's request for residency through ministerial intervention was recently denied, sparking criticism from community leaders and immigration lawyers who deem the decision "inhumane."

Key Takeaways:

• Navjot Singh, an 18-year-old New Zealander, is facing deportation to India despite being born and raised in Auckland.
• The decision stems from a law that ended birthright citizenship for those born to parents without lawful immigration status after 2006.
• Singh's parents, who are of Indian origin, overstayed their visa, and his father was deported when he was just five days old.
• His mother lost her legal status in 2012 when he was five years old, leaving Singh without access to education, healthcare, and basic rights in New Zealand.
• Singh's request for residency through ministerial intervention was recently denied, sparking criticism from community leaders and immigration lawyers.
• Immigration lawyer Alastair McClymont called the decision "inhumane" and urged the government to adopt a fairer approach.
• Community leaders, including Daljit Singh, president of the Supreme Sikh Society, have rallied behind Navjot Singh, characterizing him as "a part of our community" who was born in New Zealand.
• The Immigration Minister's spokesperson stated that individual cases can be considered through the Immigration Protection Tribunal or ministerial intervention.

Statistics:

• 18 years: Navjot Singh's age
• 2006: The year that birthright citizenship ended for those born to parents without lawful immigration status
• 2007: The year Navjot Singh was born in Auckland
• 5 days: The age at which Singh's father was deported
• 2012: The year Singh's mother lost her legal status
• 8 years: The age at which Singh learned that he would never get access to education, healthcare, and basic rights in New Zealand

Sources:

• RNZ (2023) - reported on Navjot Singh's situation and the government's decision to deport him
• The New Zealand Herald (2023) - reported on the community's reaction to the decision
• Immigration Minister Erica Stanford's spokesperson (2023) - confirmed that individual cases can be considered through the Immigration Protection Tribunal or ministerial intervention