August 1, 2018

Bench Positive for Mexican Refugees

A family from Mexico, fleeing gender-based violence, were accepted as refugees at the conclusion of their refugee hearing. Our office worked closely with the family to gather documentation and prepare them for the emotional testimony that would be provided. We obtained the Vulnerable Person designation, which allowed us additional lee-way in presenting evidence to the Refugee Protection Division. Ultimately, after emotionally charged testimony, the Member accepted that the claimants were credible, that state protection would not exist for them in Mexico, and that they could not live safely anywhere in their country.

This family will be applying for permanent residence in 2012, and can take comfort in the fact that they may establish a permanent home for themselves in Canada.