One of the most controversial immigration stories in Britain in recent years has involved a young American whose case has captured the attention of both British and Arab media. The man applied for asylum in the United Kingdom despite holding a U.S. passport and received government assistance for an extended period, even though his application was officially rejected.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the American, Olabode Shoniregun, 27, arrived in Britain via Gatwick Airport in October 2024 from Las Vegas. He applied for asylum claiming he faced persecution in the United States on racial and religious grounds, despite the fact that the U.S. is considered a “safe country” under the British asylum system.

His application surprised many because the United States is legally classified among countries whose citizens are not considered at risk of organized persecution, according to UK immigration law. Nevertheless, he was treated like any other asylum seeker upon arrival.

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In June 2025, the UK Home Office officially rejected his case, declaring his asylum claim “clearly unfounded,” meaning he was not eligible for asylum under Britain’s humanitarian protection standards. He was instructed to leave the country with no additional appeal rights.

The irony is that Shoniregun continued to live in hotels designated for migrants for more than a year and received full government support, including housing, food, and approximately £400 per month funded by British taxpayers, despite his asylum claim being denied and him facing no immediate deportation proceedings.

At certain stages, he was informed he was required to leave the UK, but ongoing administrative procedures and continued financial support kept his story in the headlines, especially as photos and clips he posted on social media showed him living in London.