Actually that's computer code for a keystroke, most likely the foward slash key option. Just a coding error most likely and it shouldn't make you lose any sleep over it. Let's test my theory though.... Next I'll type a foward slash / then I'll type a backwards slash \ and now I'll type the code for the return function on the keyboard <br>. If the period I typed at the end of the last sentence is below the actual sentence then the code worked as programmed. If the glitch is still affecting keystrokes then my foward and back slashes should look like the "amp" garble. 

On a side note, I say send there ass back to their country if they really are a refugee. That or let them got for a walkabout in our fine backcountry...say 50 miles from the nearest inhabited space...and we'll see if they cause any more trouble for "society".