contents Executive summary 1 1 Introduction 1.1 The logistics of return 1.2  What happens to people who cannot be returned? 1.3  The risk of statelessness 1.4  The suffering and limbo facing those who cannot be returned 5 6 7 8 9 2 Research aim, objectives and methodology 11 3  Findings 3.1  Our participants 3.2  Coming to the UK 3.3  Having money 3.4  Having a home 3.5  Having food to eat 3.6  Having clothes to wear 3.7  Health 3.8  Social support 3.9  Personal safety 3.10  A life in limbo 3.11  Control over life 3.12  What keeps you strong? 3.13  Documentation difficulties 3.14  Detention 3.15  Statelessness 3.16  What changes would they like to see? 3.17  Closing comments 13 13 14 14 17 19 20 20 23 24 25 26 26 29 30 30 31 34 4  Conclusion 35 5 Recommendations 37 References 41 Appendix: Our refused asylum seekers 43