Chloe SmithMP for Norwich North
Chloe SmithChloe Smith was today delighted at the UK Border Agency's decision to grant the Mokake family, of Wall Road, Norwich, an extension of leave to remain for the next three years.
As previously reported in the Norwich Evening News, Mrs Mokake's leave to remain hinged on her providing proof of her graduation document from the University of East Anglia, a document that will only be available from her graduation on the 13th July. Supporters of the family were also extremely concerned that the decision affecting Mrs Mokake would also affect her sons' education.
The u-turn in the UKBA decision follows a wave of petitions and correspondence organised by the Mokake family, their friends, and the Hewett School which Gabriel Mokake attends. In total over 3000 people had signed up to an online petition to keep them in the country and numerous Twitter and Facebook campaigns involving over 4,000 people had been launched.
Chloe wrote to Damian Green MP, the Minister for Immigration two weeks ago urging him to reconsider the decision that had been laid down to Mrs Mokake which allowed her family only an additional three months. She also forwarded him the scores of letters and e-mails that had been received by the office in support of the family's cause.
Commenting on the decision Chloe Smith said:
"Gabriel Mokake is clearly a well-liked, well-respected young man who really gives something back to Norwich. To see literally thousands of people line up behind him in this case was extraordinary and is a superb example of how modern, local campaigns can really make a change. The support that Mrs Mokake and her family have received is overwhelming and I am immensely pleased that they have now been granted a further three years leave to remain."