Red tape....

So, you were born in Bradford, you are now 24 and have lived in the UK all your life.  Your parents have both lived here since you were born.  So you're British - OK?  Well, maybe not.  The British Nationality Act of 1981 states that, to be British, you must (a) be born here and (b) one of your parents must either be British or settled in the UK.  And it's these last four words that may cause a problem.  Your parents were both living here when you were born, but they were here on temporary visas to study.  They later became settled here, but at the time you were born, were only here temporarily.  So you're not British - but it gets worse.  You haven't got your parents' nationality either.  You are in fact stateless.  And to put the icing on the cake you are told you can apply for British citizenship - but it will cast you £1,243!  As an ex-Civil Servant, I feel ashamed,