Isid has recently collected his first temporary residence permit after his subsequent asylum application. This may sound like a small thing, but in his case it really is not.
He had arrived in Italy years ago, but his asylum application was rejected for lack of evidence. He appealed through a lawyer, but it was thrown out.
He then looked for a job so that he could earn his living outside the reception system and, when his temporary stay permit expired, he applied for a work permit, as per last summer “emergence decree” [to bring undeclared work into the open, ed.]. Unfortunately, he was ill advised, and he only got a decree of expulsion.
Coincidentally, shortly before, he had offered help to Carl, one of the people we care for, who was going through a really tough time, and that is how we met… even though Isid lives 70 km from Piacenza. We suggested that he applied for asylum yet again because of his homosexuality, but he had lost all hope and did not take our advice. However, when the deportation decree arrived, we put his story together for the Justice of the Peace, who revoked the decree and gave him a new chance.
Did you know that when asylum seekers’ appeals go wrong, they have to try to fend for themselves?
When a person arrives in Italy and applies for asylum, they have the right to a spot in the reception system (provided there are places available at that time). They must then wait for a hearing at the Territorial Commission of the Ministry of the Interior, that has to assess their case.
If things go wrong, they can appeal before a judge, but if things once again go wrong, the reception system can no longer accommodate them. The asylum seeker would then still have some cards to play, but making a subsequent asylum application is more complicated, and requires additional help. That’s exactly when the asylum seeker is most likely to be completely alone and at the mercy of events (and the wrong people).
If you have any question, you can write an email to piacenza@ilgrandecolibri.com
The answers will be published on the Nido del Colibrì page!
translation by Antonio Pauletta
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