Texan special needs worker Chad Morris faces deportation after 'absurd' tribunal ruling
30-year-old forced to leave his job after appeal to remain was denied at an Immigration and Asylum Chamber tribunal
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A special educational needs worker from Texas who has lived in Britain for seven years is facing deportation back the US following a ruling from an immigration tribunal.
Chad Morris, 30, moved to the UK in 2006 and studied at Birmingham University before gaining a work visa for highly skilled individuals and becoming head of the inclusive support unit at Walsall College.
Fellow teachers told The Independent he was “an outstanding leader” and Ofsted recently rated his performance as outstanding, but he was forced to leave his job on Thursday after his appeal to remain was denied at an Immigration and Asylum Chamber tribunal earlier this month.
“I really thought that common sense would prevail. I’ve always been in this country legally, paid my taxes, and thought this, along with a supporting letter from my member of parliament would be taken into account,” said Mr Morris.
Under a new Home Office points system Mr Morris was unable to renew his work visa when it expired earlier this year because he earned less than £35,000. He then appealed under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, but this was rejected earlier this month.
His solicitor, Ramzan Sharif of Fountain Solicitors, said: “This is a case that clearly shows the absurdity of the new immigration rules. The immigration judge’s hands were tied but in light of his comments about our client’s contribution to this country… we trust the Secretary of State will exercise her discretion to grant our client leave to remain.”
A Home Office spokesman said: “All application are considered on their individual merits and in line with the immigration rules. Mr Morris does not meet the requirements for an Article 8 application as he had not lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time and continues to have significant family ties in America.”
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