Supporting a Friend Facing Deportation

1. At the initial stage, it’s important to gather all the facts about your friend’s asylum case, including why their claim was rejected, whether they have legal representation, and what steps have already been taken to fight the decision.
2. Your friend’s situation will largely revolve around the legal process and understanding this will be crucial. Whilst legal advice can be costly, there are law centres, community organisations and others who can offer this for free. But they are often overwhelmed with work. You could help by supporting your friend to access legal aid and appeal the decision.
3. Connecting with a local refugee support group can provide advice and help mobilise community support. Whilst this is largely a legal issue, public campaigns, petitions, or speaking to local media can add public pressure and make a difference for individual cases.
4. Support your friend to contact their MP to raise awareness of the case and ask for intervention. MPs can write to the Home Office and ask for a case review.
5. While you're not at direct risk yourself, standing with your friend in solidarity can be powerful and can help influence the outcome through both legal and public channels.