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Top-level
 The trip was, she reports, very touching. They had a story to tell, and they wanted to tell it. They had photos on their phones: a house shot to pieces. Toys retrieved from the rubble. The missing cousins of the children, who they will never see again (though they have not been told that yet). But check this out: they had an appointment with the Federal asylum for the intake interview service *on the next Monday*. 6/ 2 comments
And look, it's going to be difficult. Malik is a highly qualified professional, but the truth is many Belgian landlords do not like to rent to refugees. He and the family will have to learn French or Dutch to function in society. But this, by the Gods, IS THE ASYLUM SYSTEM FUNCTIONING AS INTENDED. Belgium signed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and is now beholden to it, and these are the consequences of having signed that document in 1948. This is HONORABLE. 8/ |
Gregory's Server
The interview went like this: the whole family had their photos and biometrics taken and was issued ID cards. After which, the official in charge basically told them: look, the situation is clear. You are from Gaza and cannot go back. Your status as refugee is straightforward and we might not even bother with a second interview. Welcome to Belgium, see you in five years when you apply for citizenship.
The language was no doubt more formal (I was not there), but that was the gist of it.
7/