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A US asylum seeker in his late twenties, who was born in London, arrived in the UK on an American passport and claimed asylum shortly after landing, according to a new report.

He claimed that he faced persecution in the United States because of his race, religious beliefs and personal identity, and said he would be at risk if forced to return, reports the Telegraph.

Following his arrival, he was placed in a series of migrant hotels across London, with his accommodation and basic living costs covered while his claim was assessed. Last summer, the Home Office formally rejected his application, concluding that his claims were "clearly unfounded" and that he had no right of appeal.

The decision letter ordered him to leave the UK voluntarily and warned that he could otherwise face removal.

The letter sent by the Home Office reads: "You must now leave the United Kingdom. You do not have a right of appeal against this decision because your protection and human rights claims have been certified as clearly unfounded under section 94 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002."

He said he was being persecuted in the US because he is Black, Jewish, and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the LDS or Mormon Church. He also mentioned threats or abuse from law enforcement and claimed he had been sexually assaulted by police officers, which he cited as part of the persecution he feared if returned to the US.

However, months later, he remains in Britain. Instead of being deported, the man went on to receive further support, including temporary housing, food assistance and cash benefits administered locally after he was classed as homeless, The Telegraph reported.

In a video seen by The Telegraph, he was once told by a council worker that he had access to public services similar to those available to British citizens.

At one stage, he agreed to leave the UK under the voluntary returns scheme and was offered financial assistance and a flight back to the US.

His passport was retained by the authorities as part of the process. But when he arrived at the airport to depart, the airline ruled that he was not fit to fly, reportedly leaving him stranded without travel documents.

Unable to return home and unable to regularise his status in Britain, he sought help from the US embassy but after more failed attempts to fly back to the US, he went back to Islington, where he was reportedly treated as homeless and provided with accommodation and meals. He spent Christmas attending a council-supported lunch for homeless residents and later stayed in budget hotels paid for by local authorities.

Under UK immigration law, people born in Britain after January 1, 1983, only acquire automatic citizenship if at least one parent was a British citizen or held settled status at the time of birth. Individuals born on or after this date can apply for citizenship if a parent acquired British citizenship or settled status before they reached 18, or if they completed 10 continuous years of residence in the UK.

The man said he was grateful for the support he has received. He told The Telegraph that the returns process "isn't working", saying he feels caught between systems.

Islington denied paying benefits to asylum seekers who have been refused permission to remain.

An Islington council spokesperson told The Telegraph: "Islington council does not offer financial support or social housing to anyone without an eligible immigration status within government rules and regulations.

"The council continues to offer advice and works with partner organisations to ensure that anyone experiencing homelessness can get the support they need."

A Home Office spokesperson said the airline deemed the man was "unfit to fly", and added: "We are working to remove him as soon as possible.

"Under this government, returns of people with no right to remain in the UK have surged, with almost 50,000 people removed - a 23pc increase on the previous period."