"We are not all criminals": Albanian woman hits out at Suella Braverman over migrant comments

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

An Albanian woman studying to be a lawyer in Manchester has said: "We are not all criminals." Marinela Bouzo, 27, has hit out after home secretary Suella Braverman said 'Albanian criminals' helped migrants cross the Channel during a debate.

Last year, 12,000 Albanian migrants arrived in the UK on small boats - more than from any other country. Hundreds have recently been returned back to their homeland under a Government ‘gold-standard’ deal with Albania.

However, Marinela, who moved to the UK in her twenties, says the majority of Albanians are hardworking individuals who contribute positively to society. Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features. Marinela said: "Whether it’s coming from Suella Braverman or anyone else, it’s important not to generalise an entire group of people based on the actions of a few individuals. "While on the whole my experiences in England have been positive, I’ve had comments here and there and some people still negatively judge when I tell them my family is Albanian. "I have encountered individuals as young as 14 and 15 who have arrived in the UK as victims of criminal gangs and promised a brighter future, only to find themselves trapped in the clutches of modern slavery. "There are also families who strive for a better life, seeking employment and opportunities in the UK because their home country lacks the avenues for growth. "Desperate to escape their circumstances, they embark on illegal journeys, risking their lives for a chance at a future they cannot find within their own borders, showing the lengths they are willing to go for their loved ones." She added "We’re not all criminals, but sometimes we’re treated like them." Marinela