Editor: I am writing as a friend and neighbour of Jose Figueroa, who is facing an unjust deportation order and arrest warrant after 16 years in Canada. His crime? Speaking up against an oppressive and violent regime during the civil war in El Salvador.
His wife, Ivania Figuera, was finally declared admissible this year and can now stay in Canada with their three children, but Jose has been told he has to leave and can parent his children via Skype. This is not in the spirit of justice, and Steven Blaney, the Minister of Public Safety, needs to intervene and grant Jose Figueroa an exemption on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
I have known and lived next to the Figueroas for seven years, and can attest to the fact that they are model citizens — the kind of people that make Canada a great country.
Our children play and go to school together, and to see this family ripped apart because of an overly broad immigration law that falsely labels him a terrorist is unthinkable.
Jose Figueroa has been forced to seek sanctuary in a local church, where he and his family have attended for many years, and he remains highly regarded in the community. Local news media and elected officials have declared support for him and his case, and it is time that this case be resolved.
Please add your voice to those demanding justice. Visit wearejose.org to learn more and support him and his family.
Jonathan Dyck,
Langley