Ernesto and Arely have won!

Some of you may have already heard about this through social media sources, but I would like to let you know that the Home Office has overturned the decision to deport Ernesto, Arely and their daughter Camila, and they have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain! We are astounded by this news. The original Home Office decision was deeply unfair particularly because of the humanitarian nature of Ernesto's and Arely's work. However, there is a bigger issue here worth campaigning for in the future, and that is academic freedom for any International academic, whether they are carrying out humanitarian fieldwork or not, to spend time outside of the UK if that is what is needed for their work. This is all the more pressing post Brexit as what happened to my dear friends could also happen to EU citizens in the future. The UK university system has made it possible for Ernesto and Arely to carry out their very important work, and what we have achieved with this petition and with other public pressure this past week is a step in standing up for the ability of UK universities to continue to attract talent on a global scale. When I started this petition exactly a week ago, I was aware of the power of people coming together to make things happen, but I am still astounded at the response that we have had- over 71,500 signatures! Thank you so much for your support; we are humbled and very grateful. With deepest thanks, Jess, Ernesto, Arely and Camila