When Does a Refugee Stop Being a Refugee?

Front page headline in my local paper
Where I reside read
" Mr. Patel ,no surname
a refugee from Uganda
retires after
20 years service in a local firm"

Was not amused
Exhibited
Stereotypical attitude
Headline portrayed
Mr Patel's refugee status
Not his valuable
Service for two decades

Did not deserve
Cruel exposure
Praise would
Have given him pleasure
After twenty years
He has moved on
Is now a British citizen
Not a refugee any more
A respected
Citizen with honour

When does a refugee stop being a refugee?

Why refer
To his
Immigration status
Is a valiable member
Of his firm and community
Very much involved
In neighbourhood activity

Is not a label like food
Or
A brand like merchandise

When does a refugee stop being a refugee?

Mr Patel is a family man
Like the other Patels in the land
An active member
Of the Governing Body
Liked by
People in his community

Deserves
Respect and praises
For his valuable services
Not highlight
His immigration status

I ask you again
When does a refugee stop being a refugee?

Mr patel
Is a British citizen
An asset to his community
A model citizen
British citizen like you & me
Or everyone in this room
Or elsewhere
Who looks like you & me