Protesters ask Waterloo MP to save family from deportation

Community members took to Waterloo MP Bardish Chagger's office Thursday, to protest the deportation of a Guatemalan family.

Sandra Morales' family is asking the federal government to let them stay in Canada.

Morales' need for refuge in Canada began when her husband was deported from the United States for living there illegally.

She was told she and her six US born children were next, so they fled to the Canadian border.

Now, Morales says she hopes the Canadian government will hear her message to keep their family together.

“Canada is my house. It's my home for my kids, especially for my kids. So, if the [government] can hear my message, please bring my family together, and bring my husband back.”

Morales says she feels hopeful after sharing her story with the Waterloo MP.

“Now I am happy because I'd tried to talk with her, but I didn't have the opportunity. Now, yes, so I hope she can help my family.”

Stacey Gomez is an activist part of the 'No One is Illegal' group, and she helped lead the event.

She says they are looking forward to seeing what action will come out of today's protest.

“It's too early to tell, but what we do want is a public statement in support of the family and also for her to take this issue to Ottawa and to speak with the Minister of Immigration and the Minister of Public Safety to advocate for this family.”

Waterloo MP Bardish Chagger says asylum claims go through an independent assessment by the immigration and assessment board, as well as through various levels of appeals.

“So it's when those appeals are exhausted that we have to take other measures. But I would say for the most part, claimants are successful depending on their case. When it comes to removals, first of all, it's taken very seriously. Decisions are not taken lightly. We always ensure that if people are being removed, that they are not being sent to somewhere where their lives will be in risk of danger, or where they would risk persecution.”

After hearing the Morales family's story, Waterloo MP Bardish Chagger is encouraging other asylum seekers to come forward.

“Anybody who lives in the riding of Waterloo, anyone having challenges with the federal government or having feedback on how we can improve our systems, my door will always be open, and I will always represent the people I have been elected to represent wholeheartedly. I take my job very seriously.”

If Morales is granted permanent residency, she can begin the process of bringing her husband back from Guatemala.