I have never heard of this reason why people should be deported, at least not in the United States. If U.S. immigration found someone too “fat,” then that person should be subject to deportation. Thankfully U.S. immigration is not that nuts. I cannot say the same for New Zealand immigration. A white South African named Albert Buitenhuis has been living and working in New Zealand for six years. He is a chef in the city of Christchurch. When he came to New Zealand, he used to weigh over 320 pounds. He now weighs 286 pounds, and he says he is continuing to lose weight. All of his family now live in New Zealand, and he has lived in that country without any problems or issues.

    He certainly had no problem getting his work permit renewed since he came in 2007, and his weight was not an issue. Now it has become an issue, and to put it mildly I find it a ridiculous one. New Zealand immigration contends that because of his “weight,” he might be a risk for diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke. In other words, the New Zealand government is trying to save money on its health care system by kicking this guy to the curb. One has to ask if the New Zealand government will deport people who smoke? Will the New Zealand government deport people for guzzling too much beer? How about for being too short or too tall? If U.S. immigration went by this standard, then we would be seeing as much as one-fourth of everyone deported from this country.

         Buitenhuis and his wife have no more family in South Africa, and no money to live in the country where they came from originally. I would clearly understand if the New Zealand government deported someone for a crime like petty theft, arson and assault. But for someone’s weight?! Buitenhuis stated very clearly that he would not be able to get any further than the airport in South Africa if he is deported. Strangely enough, by New Zealand law, anyone who has stayed in New Zealand for five years can apply for New Zealand citizenship. Since Buitenhuis and his wife have done so, I hope they will consider this option. However, the New Zealand government should NOT deport someone for his weight.