Don't sever our Patagonia links; PLEA AFTER LANGUAGE STUDENT IS DEPORTED.

Byline: NEWS REPORTER

A YOUNG woman last night told of her ordeal as immigration officers sent her back to Patagonia, hours after she touched down in the UK on a visit to North Wales.

Evelyn Calcabrini from Puerto Madryn was forced to fly back home when Border Agency officials refused to believe she was going to stay with a family for six months to practise her Welsh and learn some English.

The 20-year-old was questioned for several hours at Heathrow Airport before being put on a flight back to Buenos Aires. Officials refused to be swayed by the representations of Plaid Cymru MPs Elfyn Llwyd and Hywel Williams.

Last night it emerged she was the second young Patagonian woman to have been refused entry into Britain.

Describing her ordeal, in a letter seen by the Daily Post, Evelyn said: "The flight to Buenos Aires left at 9.45pm. Two officers, came to fetch me and accom-panieme to the plane.

"I felt like a criminal and totally discriminated considering I am of Welsh descent and proud of being able to visit the place of my ancestors."

Evelyn was due to spend her time in Wales with Eos Griffiths and his Patagonian-born wife Carina at their home in Glyndyfrdwy, near Llangollen.

Meirionnydd Nant Conwy MP Elfyn Llwyd said a second woman, Shirley Edwards, was refused entry at the same airport when she flew in to visit her sister Erica, who lives in Porthmadog.

"I am very disappointed with the response of Immigration Minister Phil Woolas. He says Evelyn was refused entry because she did not have evidence of a job in Patagonia. I have asked him to reconsider the situation.

"I will also be demanding a change in the policy that appears to prevent Welsh students entering the UK unless they have a job."

Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones has called on new Home Secretary Alan Johnson to intervene in the row.

An Assembly Government spokesman said: "The Heritage Minister is very concerned about this matter. Strong links exist between Wales and Patagonia which date back to 1865 when settlers travelled to there to establish a com-munitto preserve the culture and language of Wales. The Minister has written to the Home Secretary to express his concern and to ask how similar situations can be avoided in the future."

Almost 200 people signed an online petition calling on Gordon Brown to preserve Welsh links with the region.

An UK Border Agency spokesman said: "We are reviewing the decision in this case."

Argentinians do not need a visa if they are visiting the UK for six months or less, but those who are intending to work or study do need to apply for a visa.

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Barred.... Evelyn Calcabrini