Thousands of people have signed a petition against the deportation of a nine-year-old boy.

Eric Zhi Ying Xue is a fourth class student at St. Cronan's National School in Bray. He was born in Ireland in 2009, three years after his mother arrived from China.

Due to his mother's legal status, the 27th amendment to the constitution means he is not an Irish citizen, and he is now facing deportation — despite never having lived in China and having no knowledge of the language.

Eric would also not be recognised as a Chinese citizen if he were deported. As a result, he is completely without citizenship.

Maeve Tierney, principal of St. Cronan's, spoke about the school's efforts to help Eric and his family.

"This is a family whose child attends this school who are in distress, and who don't have the same advantages that we have."

"Regardless of his mother's circumstances, this child was born here and as far as I'm concerned, we owe it to this child."

If you would like to sign the petition to help Eric stay, you can find the link by visiting the school's website.

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