Sussex MPs have pledged their support to a young Romanian man who faces deportation.

The MPs say Vasile Onica, 22, should be allowed to stay in the UK after being rescued from a squalid Romanian orphanage and living in this country for the last five years.

Vasile has gained qualifications, made friends and is part of a loving foster family.

In less than a month he faces deportation and a life on the streets because he was never officially adopted. His visa expires on August 31.

The Home Office is investigating Vasile's situation yet officials said David Blunkett was unable to intervene in individual cases.

Vasile's foster father, Dr Stuart Newton, a retired headteacher from Horsham, is trying to extend the visa by appealing for a job offer for Vasile, who is disabled in one leg because of polio.

Francis Maude, Conservative MP for Horsham, said: "Rules have to be enforced properly. But here there is a strong case against deporting Vasile.

"Here we have someone who has a respectable foster family and has done all the right things. Much less deserving people simply disappear in this country.

"I have spoken with Dr Newton and have agreed to look at all his correspondence on the matter. I will do all I can to help Vasile."

Norman Baker, Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, said: "I hope the authorities will show some compassion and flexibility in this case. It was clearly a technical hitch that Vasile was not adopted.

"Therefore it would be unfair to deport him under the circumstances."

Tim Loughton, Conservative MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, said: "It seems an absurd waste for someone who has settled down to a good education and who has lots to offer to be sent back to Romania where they were rescued from."

Des Turner, Labour MP for Brighton Kemp Town, said: "It seems incredibly harsh under the circumstances to send this young man back to Romania. It is a case worthy of special consideration and attention.

"I hope his MP takes up the case and tries to persuade the Home Office to change their mind about deportation."

Vasile's other option to extend his visa, apart from finding a job, is to take up a university place. He has received offers from four universities, including Brighton and Sussex, but cannot afford the £8,000-a-year tuition fees.

Mr Turner suggested a potential charity could consider helping Vasile through university.

Peter Bottomley, Conservative MP for West Worthing, said: "There are times when bureaucracy and humanity need to meet rather than miss each other."

Brighton Pavilion MP David Lepper said: "Vasile seems to be a very hardworking young man with great potential. He seems the kind of person who would have a lot to offer to this country, let alone his own country.

"I would hope there may be someone willing to give him an offer of a job to help him stay here.

"I have in the past, as a teacher in Brighton in the Nineties, taught a couple of Romanian refugees in their early teens. One can't generalise but certainly the youngsters were totally dedicated to their studies. They wanted to give their all while having to cope with an unfamiliar language."

Home Office officials said the decision on whether to deport Vasile would be dealt with according to strict rules.

A spokesman said: "Any application to remain in the country will be judged on its merits. We are unable to comment on individual cases."