Couple boosted by show of support
PROTESTERS TURN OUT TO OPPOSE DEPORTATION OF FAMILY
DOZENS turned out in support of two Durham University researchers who face deportation from the UK.
Married Dr Ernesto SchwartzMarin, Dr Arely Cruz-Santiago and their 11-year-old daughter Camila were given a fortnight from Saturday to leave by the Home Office.
The academics had spent 270 days in their home country Mexico on a humanitarian project – work which means the Home Office has denied them leave to remain in the UK.
An online petition on change.org calling for the “unfair” decision to be reconsidered has racked up more than 21,000 signatures in days. And on Thursday, dozens gathered to show their support for the family outside the New Inn in Durham.
Jon Bryan, a regional support official with the northern region of the University and College Union (UCU), says the union is calling on the Home Office to reconsider their decision. He said: “UCU are supporting the campaign to keep Ernesto and Arely in this country. The reason Ernesto has been out of the country for more days than allowed is because of the field research that he is involved in. In short, he is being told to leave the country for doing his job. That cannot be right.
“The importance of being ‘in the field’ is vital for areas of research that Ernesto is involved in. Academics are sometimes criticised for hiding away in ivory towers – that is not a criticism that can be made here. The freedom to conduct academic research is at stake here, and it has been amazing to see the support in the rain for the family today, and the solidarity and pressure that is building up online.”
Anthropologist Dr SchwartzMarin, 36, and wife Dr Cruz-Santiago, 32, spent time in Mexico during 2014 and 2015 working with families to build a DNA database to help track down missing people suspected to be victims of drug or gang violence. Home Office guidelines indicate to be granted leave to remain in the UK, individuals must not spend more than 180 days out of the country in a 12-month period – with an exception for anyone assisting in a humanitarian crisis.
But in a letter sent to Dr SchwartzMarin, the office ruled in its decision their time abroad did not count as working in a humanitarian crisis.
Both academics were in attendance at the protest, and Mr Bryan believes the size of support in their favour gave the couple a “boost”. He added: “Ernesto was able to say a few words to thank them, and I think it just provided a real buzz for everyone involved.”
The Home Office has declined to comment on the case.
To find out more about the petition, visit www.change.org/p/uk-home-office-home-office-unfairly-deporting-talented-academics