John Pops Must Stay

John Pops is only 20 years old. He was born in Bucharest in Romania but was abandoned by his parents, and has no memory of them. He was a ãchild of the streetsä. He does not have a birth certificate, and does not know if he has any brothers or sisters. Legally he has no nationality, and is ãstatelessä.

When he was ten years old he was kidnapped by local travellers, forcibly taken to Germany and forced into a life of crime. Eventually, he was able to run away from them and informed the police of their activities. Since then he has lived in fear of the travellers, and believes they will kill him in revenge. John has never held a passport but has lived in Holland, Belgium, France, England and the USA. He has lived on the streets, sometimes in abandoned cars or houses. He has made friends and a student friend in the United States taught him to read and write English.

He returned to the UK in August 1999, hidden in a container aboard a ship from the USA. John has claimed asylum and his case is still outstanding. He would like to be given a chance to support himself and obtain qualifications.

You can help by writing to the

Home Office

50 Queen Anneâs Gate

London SW1H 9AT

in support of John.

Please quote reference number P1015034. Please send copies of letters to the

John Pops Must Stay Campaign

c/o NCADC, 400 Cheetham Hill Road

Manchester M8 9LE.

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