Unwanted children?

Little Eustace Uzoma plays happily in a Tel Aviv park, near the home in which she has lived ever since she was born.

The shy five-year-old speaks fluent Hebrew and is already in the school system.But she is almost oblivious to the fact that there are some people in the Israeli government who want to deport her and other children who are fully assimilated into Israeli society, because their parents are here illegally.

Israel has approved plans to deport the families of illegal migrant workers, and government spokesman Roei Lachmanovich told the BBC the plan would affect some 400 children and their parents.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move was made because the country faced increasing illegal migration, which was a threat to its Jewish character.

Eustace's father, Vincent, is originally from Nigeria but came to Israel 14 years ago on a legal tourist visa.

Vincent Uzoma says Israel should recognise the birthright of children born within its borders

Having outstayed his official welcome, he settled down here and a job, got married and had children.

"It's unfair and unjust," says Vincent of the deportation plan as he carefully watches his youngest daughter on the swings.

"These children are born here and speak the language. Israel should recognise their birthright."

For years Israel encouraged foreign workers from the developing world to come here and do the poorly paid, menial jobs that Israelis did not want to do.

Now, wanting to reduce its dependence on overseas labour, Israel says many of those workers must leave even if they have children who were born here.