Our Recent Immigration Success Stories

Bench Positive at Refugee Hearing

A young woman fleeing from an honour crime was granted refugee protection at the conclusion of her refugee hearing. After questioning led by counsel, the Board Member was satisfied as to the woman’s credibility and her experiences; counsel then reviewed the expert opinions and country documentation submitted, demonstrating that state protection would not be available in her country of origin. Our client will now be able to start her life over as a permanent resident of Canada.

Stay of Removal for Man with Schizophrenia

After an immigration officer refused to defer the removal of our client, we asked the Federal Court to intervene and stop his deportation from Canada. We argued that the risk of return for our client had not been properly assessed, given changing country conditions and our client’s mental health. Before even reaching a Federal Court judge, the Department of Justice consented to our request.

While our client has not ensured his permanent position in Canada, he has been granted another opportunity to explain to an officer why his removal at this time is unreasonable. This additional time may also mean that his outstanding immigration applications will be decided before he is again faced with removal.

Refugee Protection for Woman and Children from Caribbean

Last week, a young mother appeared before the Refugee Protection Division; her claim has now been accepted. Our client faced persecution on the basis of being a bisexual woman. Our office worked with the claimant to prepare her for giving difficult testimony and to support her claim through documentation from her country of origin; we successfully argued that even though women are not typically targeted, the fact that homosexual acts remain illegal is evidence of government tolerance for violence against sexual minorities. Happily the Member agreed.

Our client can now build a life in Canada with her children without fear of return.

Bench Positive for Refugee Reconsideration

After succeeding at Federal Court last year, our clients again appeared before the Refugee Protection Division. Facing changing country conditions and their abandoned asylum claim in the U.S.A., they had a difficult claim to prove. We assisted the clients in preparing for their hearing and made submissions on the basis of “compelling reasons” arguing that their past experiences were sufficient to render return, even at this time, unconscionable.

This young family, who has already been in Canada for nearly five years, will not be separated from other Canadian relatives. In the next months they will become permanent residents of Canada.