I pray it will have a happy ending …

Dear friend,

My name is Malka. My wedding was the happiest day of my life, but I am scared as now I have even more to lose.

I came to the UK to seek sanctuary. For years I was moved from place to place with no chance to settle. It was tough, but each place I moved to I found new friends through the City of Sanctuary network. These friends are my family now. They are my home.

When I first met my husband my heart fluttered. He is everything in my life now. He is helping me to heal.

When we got engaged, I at first felt sad as I didn’t think I would have anyone to celebrate with me. But on my wedding day, my friends from City of Sanctuary came from all over the country to be with us.

I was surrounded by love. It was an unforgettable day, the happiest day of my life. Everyone shared in our happiness.

I could not be happier, but I am also terrified.

I am in the asylum system so my life is precarious. I do not open the door to strangers in case it is the Home Office coming to deport me. My husband calls me in every break he has at work to make sure I am still here. We live in fear.

I pray our love story can have a happy ending.

The system is already incredibly hostile, but if the Nationality and Borders Bill is passed, it will be even more so – tearing up so many love stories like mine.

This Valentine’s Day call on your MP to oppose this Bill. See here for ideas and support.

With love,

Malka

—

Malka is an accomplished poet, her first collection, Birds Without Sky is available to buy from all good bookshops. She is currently working on her second collection.

The UK asylum system is brutal, but the City of Sanctuary networks support people like Malka at every stage. If you can, please consider making a donation to support our work.