Asylum seekers are often portrayed as feckless people living off the state with no real intention of seeking work.

But Vasile Onica, 22, has achieved wonders in Britain since he was rescued from a life of squalor in a Romanian orphanage.

Despite this, he will have to leave this country by the end of this month under current immigration laws unless he finds a job or funding to go to university.

Vasile, who is disabled, is unable to take up places in universities offered to him because he can't afford the tuition fees.

He cannot get the job he wants in computing, although highly qualified, because his visa is about to run out.

His foster father, Dr Stuart Newton from Horsham, who has done a great deal for Vasile, is appealing for an extension of the visa and for job offers.

He brought the youngsters to Britain after seeing Vasile and other youngsters living in disgusting conditions in an orphanage.

This case shows how strange Britain's immigration laws are and how they are in urgent need of reform.

They allow the country to support thousands of people who have no intention of complying with the country's laws.

Yet they will not give any support to a young man from an appalling background who has made enormous progress after being given a chance to shine in this country.

Vasile could claim he is suffering from persecution in Romania and there would be some truth to this since he will be treated badly if he returns.

But he would rather be honest and put a compelling case to the authorities to make them change their minds.