Jessica Siavoshy, a Teaching Assistant and her Iranian husband a graduate of London University are campaigning to stay in the U.K. Although they have been married for over two years the Home Office refuse to grant permission for Hossein to stay or work in the U.K. They plan to send him back to Iran where he could face imprisonment or worse for being present at a pro-democratic demonstration.
Hossein came to the U.K in October 2000. He fled Iran awaiting sentencing after having spent some months in prison where he was interrogated and tortured. Upon arrival in the U.K Hossein claimed political asylum on the basis of the severe torture he had endured. Hossein complied with the appropriate protocol and returned his initial form to the Home Office within the specified time limit. The Home Office denied that the form had been returned on time and subsequently issued Hossein with a removal notice. When Hossein's then solicitor produced the postal recorded delivery slip, the Home Office admitted that their actions had been 'fatally flawed' but did not remove the form from Hossein's case folder.
During Hossein's application, whilst living in West London, Hossein met Jessica, they were married in June 2003.
Even though the Home Office admit that they cannot 'deny the marriage is genuine', their application was refused in February 2004 with no right of appeal. It was simply because of Hossein's failed asylum application and because the Home Office claim that Jessica can easily move to Iran.
To do this Jessica would have to give up her job, way of life, religion and her British Citizenship, as Iran does not recognise dual nationality. The Iranian Embassy have blatantly refused to issue Jessica with a tourist visa, insisting that by Iranian law she must be issued with an Iranian passport, a requirement of which is the conversion to Islam. Jessica is Christian.
Hossein has a settled life within the U.K, and has nothing to go back to in Iran. It is uncertain what would happen to Hossein given his political views, especially since the recent hardliner election victories in Iran. It is certainly far too dangerous for Hossein and Jessica in Iran. Even the Foreign Office website 'strongly advises against travel to parts of the country'. Removing Hossein from the U.K would result in their forced indefinite separation. As you can imagine this uncertainty is extremely stressful and has adversely affected every aspect of their lives. Jessica and Hossein are both being treated for severe depression.
Through this campaign we aim to put pressure on the Home Office and inform people of the way immigration control is handled in this country by dividing families and couples with no regard for the human rights or private lives of those involved.
Jessica and Hossein are now waiting for their second Judicial Review application to be processed. Please support to ensure they get the response they deserve.
Hossein has been issued with countless removal forms and is due to be deported any day, we ask you to act urgently!