Becoming a UK citizen

[black bunny]

My dad, who is 85 came to the UK to fight in WW2 (he was a New Zealand national in the NZ Air Force) married my mum, a UK national in 1949 and has lived here ever since. He has never applied for British citizenship and retains an NZ pasport.
My question is, under what laws was he allowed to live in the UK- was it because he married a UK national or was it because he is from a Commonwealth country? And could he ever be deported now?

[Mamjet]

Why do you want him deported? Bit harsh, surely?

[daffy654]

I know its not a funny subject but Mamjet you just made me laugh out loud at that reply.

[Ice.Maiden]

So sorry...but....Mamjet....mwhahahaha!!!!!!!
Apologies black bunny.

[Mamjet]

I'm thinking a heated family argument perhaps.

[black bunny]

thanks for your responses, even Mamjet's (I had to laugh) but the bit about deporting him was sorta tongue in cheek - but what I really wanted was for someone to tell me the legal reason why he is allowed to live here. Is it because of his marriage or due to fighting in the war or what?

[Mamjet]

I have no idea. I would like to think that after the war we provided those who had fought so bravely for us with honorary citizenship. But knowing how the ghurkas are treated these days, Im not so sure.

[buildersmate]

He didn't have to apply for British citizenship in the past, or at any time in the future (unless legislation changes).
However, does his NZ passport contain secure stamp (called a vignette) that shows he has been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK? This is a legal entitlement to remain in the UK. Sometimes it is attached to the passport - sometimes it is separate document.