When unaccompanied young asylum seekers turn 18, many face an immigration cliff edge

Every year, 2,000 to 3,000 children arrive in the UK alone, without parents or guardians, to seek asylum.

• Kelly Devenney
• The Conversation

They are provided with an education, support from social workers and often live with foster families.

If they aren’t granted refugee status upon arrival, they’re normally given a temporary period of leave to remain until they are 18.

But as many of these children aren’t granted refugee status before they turn 18, they face an immigration cliff edge as they approach their birthday.

Some who have outstanding asylum appeals can’t be deported until their…

• When unaccompanied young…