22 Feb 2024

Angel Nakhle is a Warwick Law student and LinC alumni having volunteered as part of the SSJC this year in Term 1. Recently she was named one of the Big Issue’s 100 Young Changemakers of 2024 for her work as part of Student Action for Refugees (STAR) and Refugee Action UK . She has also recently been involved in ‘Lift the Ban’ which advocates for asylum seekers to be given the right to work in the UK. Angel, who came to the UK with her family aged 12 from Lebanon, shares her thoughts on immigration and asylum and what the recognition of the Big Issue means to her.

Growing up in a land where justice felt like a distant dream, stepping foot into the UK was a revelation. Here, the law, though not without its imperfections, operated with a sense of order and fairness. It ignited within me a hope for a society where nature, humans, and harmony could coexist. This hope wasn’t just an abstract concept; it became a driving force.

At Warwick, I discovered a world of opportunities. It wasn’t just academics that flourished; it was the ability to make a difference, to become a voice for the voiceless. This resonated deeply within me, leading me to the “Lift the Ban” campaign by STAR. I joined without hesitation, never imagining that my participation would lead me to be recognized as one of the UK’s Top 100 Changemakers.

This recognition is more than a personal achievement; it’s a testament to the power of collective action. It whispers a promise that even voices from distant lands can contribute to positive change, weaving a tapestry of justice where everyone has a place.

However, my journey wasn’t solely about personal validation. The cause itself struck a deep chord with me. Many people are unaware that asylum seekers in the UK face significant restrictions: the inability to work, open bank accounts, or even pursue higher education. This campaign resonated with so many because it offered a glimmer of hope for normalcy, for the basic rights often taken for granted.

Imagine years spent in limbo, waiting for a decision on your refugee status, while doubt, stress, and isolation gnaw at you. This is the harsh reality for many asylum seekers. This is why I joined the fight. It’s not just about my own story; it’s about countless others navigating a complex system with limited support. Every ounce of awareness raised, every step towards change, is a victory for them. Every asylum seeker has a dream, even with many different barriers, these dreams are still as valid and should be pursued. We are more than numbers on a paper, we are more than just asylum seekers, we are sister, brothers, cousins, parents, students,

The journey, however, doesn’t end here. This recognition is not a finish line, but a springboard. It fuels my determination to use my platform to amplify the voices of the unheard, to advocate for policies that offer dignity and opportunity to those seeking refuge. Every asylum seeker has a dream, even with many different barriers, these dreams are still as valid and should be pursued. We are more than numbers on a paper, or asylum seekers, we are sisters, brothers, cousins, parents, students, and much more.

I hope that together we can rewrite the narrative, building a society where justice isn’t an elusive dream but a lived reality, accessible to all. Every small change is still change, so lend your voice, and be a part of the change. The power lies within each of us to create a world where everyone, regardless of their origin or circumstances, has the chance to thrive.

Angel Nakhle - LinC alumni