Illegal alien ditches US allegiance to stay in NZ

Determined American says being stateless only way to stop being deported

by Lincoln Tan

lincoln. tan@ nzherald. co. nz A long- term overstayer believes he has found a way to stop Immigration New Zealand from deporting him — by renouncing his citizenship.

American Harmon Wilfred, who came to New Zealand in 2001, says Immigration has got nowhere in deporting him to because he is stateless, after he renounced his US citizenship in 2005.

Christchurch- based Mr Wilfred is facing political pressure from New Zealand First to leave the country after it was reported that he owed nearly $ 300,000 to Inland Revenue after one of his failed companies was put into liquidation.

‘‘ I have a simple answer to why I think I should remain — New Zealand is our home,’’ said Mr Wilfred, who is fighting to remain with his Canadian wife Carolyn Wilfred- Dare.

‘‘ As long as I am stateless with no recognition by New Zealand as to my human rights, I simply cannot leave. I am literally an alien on planet earth.’’

Mr Wilfred has been here unlawfully since November 2004,