“We will fight to keep him with us”, a village mobilizes for a young migrant who has become an apprentice butcher

A small town in Ain is mobilizing in favor of a young migrant. Arrived from Mali at the age of 16, he has just learned that he must leave French territory. He is employed as an apprentice in the village butcher’s shop. His boss, like the inhabitants, do not understand this decision. A petition has been launched. She makes a hit.

Ibrahim pops a head in the back of the village butcher’s shop. He comes to greet his comrades who, like him, have benefited from the support of a boss who is aware of the cause of migrants. In this town in the Ain department, Jérôme Lièvre is a butcher. It needs manpower. For him, training young people is essential.

These are young people who need help. They are motivated, they want to work. I need them, I’m very happy with them.

Jérôme Lièvre, village butcher

Ibrahim arrived in France at the age of 16, having left Mali, his country of origin. For two years, he has learned French and a trade. After his efforts to integrate, he has just learned that he had to leave French territory. He is under an “OQTF” (an Obligation to Leave French Territory). He also learned that he no longer had the right to work, now that he was of age.

It’s like someone who builds his life and suddenly everything changes. I learned French, I had a diploma, I am preparing a CAP. I feel sad, because I would like to work, when they tell me that I no longer have the right.

The young man is known and recognized in the village, the inhabitants bring him testimonies of sympathy. “ People who work, you have to encourage them. That he is expelled, it is aberrant said a butcher’s customer. The mayor of the village recognizes that the situation is not new. “ When minors become adults, they are not protected in the same way by the State she explains. Perhaps a small point of the regulations should be reviewed, according to her, to avoid this type of situation.

Our villages are open to all these young people, there is work for everyone. We are not resistant to migrants, we want them to feel comfortable with us.

Françoise Veysset-Rabilloud, Mayor of Vaux-en-Bugey

In order not to remain inactive, the municipality of Vaux-en-Bugey posted a petition on its Facebook account. The town has 1,200 inhabitants, nearly a thousand of them have already signed it.

Jérôme, the butcher, is pleased to see such mobilization. He didn’t think he would receive so much support too. “ It makes me happy to see that the village is there for my apprentice. He does not deserve to leave the territory. I need him, and he tried so hard since he arrived “.

In a corner, apart, Ibrahim stares into space. When asked how he feels, he has difficulty explaining his feelings. Just, he retains in a sob that “ this village is everything to me, I was accepted “.

The OQTF has been pronounced for July 8th. An appeal was requested by a lawyer. Ibrahim and the whole village are awaiting a court decision.