School’s battle to stop Eric, 9, being deported Boy & mum face China move threat
AN Irish schoolboy is facing the threat of deportation because his mother is Chinese.
Nine-year-old Eric Zhi Ying Xue – who’s never been outside this country – has lived in Bray, Co Wicklow, with his mum all his life.
Now the lad’s school has launched a petition calling for the fourth-class pupil to be allowed to remain in the country.
They fear that if he is deported he won’t be able to access essential services in China because he is not a Chinese citizen.
His mum Leena Mei Mei Xue has lived in Ireland for 12 years.
She had attempted to gain residence but failed and a deportation order was served against her in 2015. Her latest appeal was rejected earlier this year.
Eric’s school St Cronan’s in Bray, has started an online petition calling on Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan to allow Eric to remain.
Since going live on Tuesday, it has already gathered over 18,000 signatures.
The school wrote: “Eric was born in Ireland but is not an Irish citizen. He has never been out of the country. If he is forced to go to China, where his mother was born, he will have no access to China’s health or education systems because he is not a Chinese citizen.
“This is a humanitarian issue – Eric urgently needs your support.”
School principal Maeve Tierney said the school believes Eric should be entitled to stay in the country. She told RTE News: “He has never left this country. His entire network of friends is here.” Signatories of the petition Petition
Eric Zhi Ying Xue was born in Ireland
expressed their support. Basil Miller wrote: “The boy was born here. He knows no other home. Ireland is his only home.
“He’s Irish. Let him stay in his home, in his school, with his friends..”
Roma O’mongain said: “I know Eric and his mother, lovely people. Eric was born here, loving his home country and striving at school.
“He is just a kid who wants stability and play and grow with his friends.”
Anna Mcglone added: “Everybody needs to be recognised and call home. Bray is home to this young boy.”
The Department of Justice said it does not comment on individual cases.