Letter: Restore rights for detainees
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: The case of the 27 Jamaican nationals detained and returned to their home country could be the catalyst for some positive changes to immigration control. The Government is proposing to introduce new immigration rules early next year. This could be an excellent opportunity to ensure that certain procedures are put in place. These could include:
An obligation on immigration officers examining the passenger to offer the prospect of legal advice and assistance. After all, in criminal cases the mass murderer is given the right to consult a solicitor. Why shouldn't a person who is detained against his or her will?
Introduce the 'emergency' adjudicator, rather like a High Court judge, who can be called upon in circumstances such as these to review decisions quickly at little or no cost to the public purse. Visitors lost their right of appeal earlier this year. This has led to (justifiable) fears that decisions could become arbitrary since there is no independent body to which they would be accountable. This measure could be regarded as some compensation for the loss of these important rights of appeal.
The time has also come for the Government to look again at the guidelines to enable MPs to intervene as a last resort. There has not been a comprehensive study of what has happened over the past five years since their rights of intervention were watered down. In the interests of human rights and natural justice, their rights should be restored.
Yours sincerely,
MARIA FERNANDES
London, NW2
27 December
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments