The Detail New Zealand's invisible children
Jun 4, 2025
Jill Bonnet, RNZ's immigration reporter, and Alistair McClymont, an immigration lawyer, delve into the deeply concerning issues surrounding undocumented children born in New Zealand. They discuss how these youths face dire challenges when they turn 18, including lack of citizenship rights and access to education. Personal anecdotes illustrate the emotional toll on families, as children grapple with the fear of separation and deportation. Together, they advocate for vital reforms to citizenship laws, emphasizing the urgent need to address this overlooked plight.
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Damon Kumar's Citizenship Struggle
- Damon Kumar was born in New Zealand but discovered at 17 he was not a citizen due to his parents overstaying visas.
- He faced deportation but was eventually granted residency while his parents still face deportation risks.
Fear and Isolation in Undocumented Families
- A boy raised by an overstaying mother avoided school and medical care out of fear.
- He feared separating from his mother if he appealed for residency, showing the family's anxiety.
2006 Law Changed Citizenship Rights
- The 2006 Citizenship Amendment Act removed automatic citizenship for children of overstayers amid fears of birth tourism.
- This rushed change led to children born in NZ living here undocumented with no citizenship rights.