Star comment: Brian White can finally focus on future
It is fantastic news that Brian White has won his battle to stay in the UK.
The 21 year old feared he would be deported after his application for a student grant to study at Oxford University revealed an issue with his immigration status.
It means the talented young man will have the chance to fulfil his dreams.
The battle to help Brian stay in Britain has been a real collective effort.
An online petition started by his friend Luke Wilcox garnered more than 100,000 signatures.
Brian’s cause was also backed by the Express & Star, while his former teachers at Highfields School played a key role in supporting him throughout the struggle.
Politicians from both sides of the political divide also took up the fight.
Brian has spent his young life battling against the odds, having been abandoned as a baby.
He lived in an orphanage until the age of six, when he was adopted by British-born Peter White, eventually moving to Wolverhampton when he was 15.
For the past year his life has been put on hold, with the possibility he could be deported and lose his university place haunting him.
According to his lawyer, the Home Office has now rectified an apparent error on his immigration status that occurred when he first entered the country.
Brian is now set to take up his place at Oxford University to study chemistry. If ever anyone deserved success, it is Brian.
He is a young man who represents the very best of humanity, and who clearly realises hard work and unwavering belief can bring the best results.
There is no doubt that the next stage of his life will represent another major challenge.
He will be mixing with some of the country’s brightest and most promising young people.
But Brian has every right to be alongside such company. His astonishing track record of success in education bodes well for the future.
Brian is understandably delighted at the decision by the Home Office.
Hopefully, in a few years time, we will all be able to celebrate his achievements at Oxford.
