An 18-year-old, Navjot Singh, born in Auckland to Indian parents, is facing deportation to India after losing his bid for New Zealand residency, despite never having left the country.

He was born in 2007, considered an overstayer because his parents were in New Zealand unlawfully at the time of his birth. Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk recently declined his application for residency via ministerial intervention, which could have regularised his status. With no other legal options available, Singh now faces deportation to a country he has never visited.

Singh said he first learned of his situation at the age of eight. “I asked my mum why I wasn't at school, and then she had to tell me," he said. "Ever since, I've been living in fear. I couldn't even be honest with my friends."

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