Leif Laudinger, who lives outside Varberg, became aware of Anastasiia’s situation through a TV interview. “I was absolutely furious. This is inhumane,” he says.
Norran English has previously reported on how Migrationsverket decided to deport 18-year-old Piteå resident Anastasiia Bigun to Ukraine. This is despite her entire family being granted permanent residence and the fact that she has no relatives or friends left in Ukraine. Anastasiia’s story has now been picked up by several national media outlets, and Migrationsverket’s decision has sparked outrage across Sweden.
Leif Laudinger, who lives outside Varberg, was so angered by the agency’s decision that he started a petition in support of Anastasiia.
– I saw an interview with Anastasiia and was absolutely furious. That Migrationsverket’s negligence can have consequences like this is unacceptable. Here we have a young woman who does everything right, studies hard, and aspires to become a specialist doctor. She would be a huge asset to our society. And now Migrationsverket wants to send her to Ukraine, where she has no family? It’s inhumane, he says.
The public outrage over Migrationsverket’s decision prompted Laudinger to explore avenues for action. He has since initiated a petition to gather signatures in support of Anastasiia’s case, which has garnered over 1,750 signatures thus far.
– The signatures and comments have flooded in from people who are incensed by this. It’s evident that many believe this is unjust, he says.
The petition for Anastasiia remains active, and Laudinger states that the objective is for Migrationsverket to reverse its decision and allow her to remain in Sweden with her family.
– I have resolved to send a communication to Migrationsverket, notifying them of the petition. We demand that they reconsider and rectify this. They must reassess their regulations and begin acting justly. We demand that they permit Anastasiia to stay, he says.
Anastasiia Bigun has neither family nor friends left in Ukraine. She says that the threat of deportation is taking a heavy toll on her.
– It feels futile. It doesn’t matter what I do, she says.
Since the first piece about Anastasiia's deportation her case has been in limbo. The family has appealed Migrationsverket's decision and now awaits the migration court's ruling. So far, there has been no word. Anastasiia describes her situation as overwhelming.
– I'm not doing well. The uncertainty is unbearable. I might get an answer today, or it might not come until July. I have no idea what's going to happen. School has become difficult, and I find myself withdrawing. Everything feels futile right now.
This spring, she is set to graduate with her classmates from Strömbackaskolan's natural science program. However, since Migrationsverket's decision struck the family like a thunderbolt, Anastasiia's future has been uncertain. Her dream of pursuing medical studies hangs by a thread, and Anastasiia admits she struggles to maintain focus on her education.
Anastasiia Bigun
– I really try to be in school and study as much as possible, but it’s hard. I have difficulty concentrating. I can tell that this has affected my studies. I sleep poorly. I’m in contact with the school counsellors and the school psychologist, and they are trying to help me with the emotional side, but it often feels heavy.
Anastasiia and her parents have hired a representative to stand for them in their fight against Migrationsverket. If Migrationsverket insists on its decision to deport, the family risks being torn apart. Besides her parents, Anastasiia also has a younger brother and a younger sister, who are deeply affected by the situation.
– My younger siblings are of course very sad. They’re too young to understand why this is happening. My parents are also very stressed, but they’re fighting to try to find a solution. It probably helps them to have something to focus on.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues with undiminished intensity, with widespread bombings of cities and civilians across the country. Despite this, Migrationsverket continues with deportations to Ukraine.
How do you feel about the future?
– I don’t have high hopes. I don’t think they will change their decision. It doesn’t matter what I do. They have their rigid rules that they will follow anyway. It feels pretty hopeless.
The petition and the media attention have prompted many people to reach out and express their desire to assist the family. Anastasiia says the family is grateful for the public support.
– Many people write to us, offering support and asking for updates. It means a lot and is a great comfort to know someone cares. It might not influence Migrationsverket, but it means a great deal to us.
Anastasiia Bigun’s entire life has been thrown into uncertainty since the news hit her family like a bomb in December. She now faces the risk of deportation to Ukraine, which she and her family left when she was 13 years old.