My story 

I am Fatima Ali, and I have lived in the UK since 2014. At the time when I came to this country from Italy, I was a dependent child aged under 21 of an EU family member. However, for domestic reasons I had to leave my family live independently from them. During this time, I studied and worked to support myself. 

No longer being a dependent of the EU family member, I wasn’t able to continue my studies and decided to continue working. Later on, I married and had a child. 

Legal matter 

Initially, I tried to switch my visa and apply for a student visa instead, but in order to do so I needed to submit my family members’ documents, which they didn’t want to provide me with due to me leaving the family and marrying someone they didn’t approve of. After 5 years residing in the UK, I chose to proceed and apply for pre-settled status, with a view to applying for settlement. Both of these applications were declined by the Home Office as I wasn’t able to provide any proof that I was a dependent of an EU family member, as I was living independently from my family, because my relationship with them had broken down. As a result of the Home Office’s decision, I have been unable to work in the UK, and my future here is precarious. This has been a scary time for me, as I have been living in the UK for many years and I have put down roots here. If I am forced to return to Italy, I will be separated from my husband and young daughter in the UK.

I challenged the Home Office’s refusal decision by way of a judicial review application, but unfortunately the Judge did not decide in my favour. I appealed against the Court’s decision, and in January 2024 the Court of Appeal granted permission to appeal. A hearing is due to take place in July 2024 so that the Court of Appeal can consider my case further. 

Why I need help to cover the cost of my court proceedings?

As I have already explained, it is very important to me that my case in the Court of Appeal succeeds, so that I am able to remain living in the UK. However, I am not allowed to work, and my husband is unable to afford to help me with paying my legal fees. My current solicitors took my case on at risk and are working for free unless we win, in which case they may be able to recover their fees from the other side. I am concerned that I would need to cover the court fees and potentially the other side’s costs if I lose. 

I hope that people will be willing to contribute towards my case, as it is essential that I am able to continue to challenge the Home Office’s decision, so that I am not forced to return to Italy, where I have no real connections. I hope that if my case is successful it will have a positive impact on many other people who are in a similar situation to me.