Destitution by Design, published this week by the Mayor of London, says children are suffering as a result of section 55 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, even though they are exempt from the controversial policy.
It also found that existing refugee families are taking responsibility for asylum seekers who have been denied support. "For families, the pressure of such arrangements could be especially damaging, not least for the children," said the report.
Around 10,000 asylum seekers in London are likely to be pushed into destitution every year, according to the report. This number includes age-disputed minors, who are classified as over 18 by the Home Office. However, there are no official figures to indicate the extent of the problem.
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