I feel depressed and have lost all hope

by david
(London)

I am 29 and I live in England. I have been living here for the past 10 years. Since moving here I have graduated from university and thought my life was on the right track. Having left my home to come here I was inexperienced and definitely not streetwise. I took out credit cards without realising the consequences. Now I am in nearly £8000 worth of debts which should never have happened.


To add to my worries for the past 2 years I have been living in the UK illegally with the fear of deportation on my mind every single minute of everyday. It is the first thing I think about when I wake up and the last before I go to sleep. I live in this constant state of fear and worry.

The reason I'm here illegally is I came as a student as all my close family was over here. I lived with my grandmother back home. I felt that I needed to be closer to my family over here. After I studied for 5 years and married my longtime British girlfriend my marriage broke down before I could get my indefinite leave. With no other option and no one to go back to in my country of origin as my grandmother passed away as I was living here i did not see any other option but to overstay.

I speak perfect English and most of my friends don't know that I am an overstayer. I consider England to be my home after 10 years as I moved over when I was 19 when I was just becoming a man.

All my friends and the people that I hold close to my heart live here. With debt collectors chasing me and the fear of immigration officers bursting through the doors at any time I have contemplated suicide. I have no one to turn to as I can never tell my family the truth. I need your advice. That's all. Thank you.

Comments for I feel depressed and have lost all hope

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Thank you Kay
by: David

Hi Kay

It amazes me that you took time out to give advice to a stranger. Most people would not be as kind as you and especially in England when they hear of illegal immigrant a lot of people will judge. To answer your question on why they won't let me stay here as all my family is here is beyond me. I've been here for such a long time now that you would think that I would be able to get my indefinite leave. I tried to apply on compassionate ground as my family is over here but as I'm not under 18 and not dependent on them I was refused. The only thing that I can do is hope and pray that with some miracle the home office will grant it to me.

As for my debt. The last time I wrote on here I decided to tackle things head on. I am now in the process of contacting my debtor and sorting it out. I have come to realise that small steps like this will help in the healing process and help me get on with my life.

I really wanna thank you for taking the time of day to help me. It's far from over and there will be times when I will feel depressed again but I just have to keep working through it. Its people like you that makes this world a better place. Your kindness have really touched me. I wish you all the happiness in the world.

peace and love

David

__________________________________________________

Thanks so much David, I am very touched to receive your comment. I hope you can get something sorted out to enable you to stay in the UK. I really hope the Citizens Advice Bureau as recommended by Lucy can help you. You are right, one step at a time - slow and easy wins the race!
Love
Kay
x
Thank you
by: Lucy

Hi Lucy

Thank you for your advice. Most people wouldn't give me the time of day on the internet when they hear illegal immigrant. I will contact the citizens advice bureau and try and sort out this part of my life. Again thank you. Your words no matter how trivial you think it is helps. God bless you.
Good luck
by: Lucy

Hi David, I've got three words for you: Citizens Advice Bureau. They won't turn you in to the authorities and they can help you with all of your issues. Go to them at once.

They can get your creditors off your back and can point you in the right direction for help with your immigration issues.

Good luck.
Lifes problems
by: Kay

Thank you for contacting Positive Personal Growth. I appreciate that you have great concerns because you are an over stayer in the UK.

Unfortunately I have no idea about the immigration rules for England, but can't
understand why, when your family is already living here, you can't? Can you perhaps get any helpful information from the British Embassy or perhaps the internet.

I found this which may or may not be helpful to you
http://www.foreignersinuk.co.uk/guides-how_to_make_an_application_to_remain_in_the_uk_348.html

With regard to your debts, I feel it's always best to speak with the people you owe money to and arrange to pay as much as possible on a regular basis. I believe that when the person knows you are trying your best to pay off the debt they are more understanding and prepared to accept a little and often regular payment.
I would also make a point of not using your credit card again!

Good luck.

Love
Kay
x

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