Over the last week, the case of Daman Kumar, an 18-year-old born and raised in New Zealand, whose deportation to India was stopped at the last minute and eventually granted residency, has raised fundamental questions about what it means to “belong” to New Zealand. Daman Kumar’s case has been highlighted by experts as an example of colonial gatekeeping of Kiwi identity. Despite being born and raised in New Zealand, Daman faced deportation due to his parents’ immigration status. The case has sparked a broader conversation about the criteria for belonging and citizenship in New Zealand, especially for those born to immigrant parents.
When: The case gained significant attention in February 2025.
What: Daman Kumar, an 18-year-old born and raised in New Zealand, faced deportation to India due to his parents’ immigration status. Despite being born in New Zealand, Daman was considered an overstayer because he was born six months after an immigration law change in 2006. This law required at least one parent to be a citizen or entitled to be in New Zealand indefinitely for the child to acquire citizenship.
Who: The key figures in this case include Daman Kumar, his parents, Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk, and Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March, who advocated for Daman.
Details: Daman Kumar and his mother were advised to leave New Zealand by February 17, 2025, or face a deportation order. Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk intervened and granted Daman a Resident Visa, allowing him to stay in New Zealand. However, his parents were not granted visas and faced deportation. Daman expressed mixed emotions about the decision, feeling grateful for the support but saddened by the prospect of being separated from his parents. His sister, Radhika Kumar, who was born before the 2006 law change, is allowed to stay in New Zealand lawfully.
The case has sparked a broader conversation about the criteria for belonging and citizenship in New Zealand, especially for those born to immigrant parents. Immigration authorities have acknowledged that they do not have data on the number of children born to parents who had overstayed their visas since 2006.
