I read your blog alot. I find alot of the subjects you touch upon, very
much need attention to be brought upon them. You seem to care about the
poor, the homeless, and the needy of Canada. My husband used to be an
activist untill he came to Canada and has to stay quiet because of our
situation. He is a non status person here illegally from the states. Has
been for almost 9 years. This has put many burdens on our life.
I had an incident that occured today because of my husband being
illegal. I wrote a little thing about it.......
No Status - No Christmas hamper!
Tis the season to be jolly, unless you are an non status immigrant.
Even the needy of Canada can recieve a Christmas hamper in the times of
hardship. But not my family. My husband of 8 years, and the father of my
child, is not legal. We have lived this way for almost a decade. Funny
how the Canadian government will let a convicted criminal such "50
cent" into this country, but will not allow my husband to live ith our
family legally, because of having a past conviction for something minor
when he was younger. I can live with that and have been. I can live with
the hundreds of emails I have wrote to various Ministers, without
getting the respect of one reply. I can live with the way Andy Scott's staff
would not even give me the time of day and listen to my situation, with
a secretary going as far as to say "your husband should go back to
where he came from". I can live with the fact that I work full time on top
of going to school full time, in order to support my family. I can live
with the fact that I am accumulating debt daily, even though my husband
is fit to work. It is hard, but I can even live with the fact that I
only get to see my son 2 1/2 hours a day. I am missing his childhood, and
that can not be replaced. I hope for a light at the end of a dark
tunnel.
What I can not live with, is the fact that I called a church for a
Christmas hamper and was refused, because my husband is non status. Since
when is the Lord in the habit of turning down the needy? I don't think
they would I.D. Jesus Christ himself if he showed up for a hamper!
Everything was goin fine untill I mentioned the third person in my family,
my husband. They want a medicare number. How does a non status person
get one? They don't. So, me and my son, and my husband get denied a
hamper for this. Where is the humanity and compassion? Especially from a
church? My husband called the church back up, questioning thier motive of
refusing an illegal immigrant's family a hamper. They only changed
thier mind after he asked if he had to bring this kind of thing to the
attention of the media. They sure did a song and dance then, trying to
advoid any negaitve publicity. I guess we can now go and get a hamper. But
will there be a hamper waiting my family, or an immigration officer
waiting to rip apart my family. Not a risk I am willing to take now. If
the church refuses hampers to illegal immigrants, what is to say they
will not turn us in!
Funny how my husband left the United States because of his loss of
faith in that government, and here I am losing faith in ours, wondering
where the three of us can go live together, as the family we are.
Losing faith in the government and immigration system and now the
churches..... What's next?
I debated on posting it on Indy Media Maritimes, but they do not allow
anoymous posters, and I do not want to give out my info and risk people
finding out who we are. I even thought of going to the media or writing
an editorial in the local paper here, but figure they could care less
about me and my story. I figure, I would get your opinion on the matter
and see what I should do. Should I start sending my little story to
some editorials and such? Do you think they will care and question the
churhes practice on refusing hampers? Any advice would be much
appreciated.
Jane Doe..... for now :)
16 comments:
We let all walks of life into the country with all kinds of backgrounds. I am not sure why this woman hasn't been able to sponsor her husband. If his crime was when he was younger & the American government didn't see him as a problem why should Canada?
I don't think we're getting the whole picture here.
This is what I like about bloggling. This woman sent me the email and I decided to post it. People will comment and she can reply. An editor in a newspaper will have to investigate before printing the letter but not here. Lets see what happens?
It's amazing how Churches and some so-called Charities work ?
Whatever happened To the old saying, Charity begind at home. And yet if something Nut's happens 14,000 miles away in another part of the world, the Red Cross is right there Crying, Please Give Us Money to help feed these poor people.
Lets feed our own FIRST AND FOREMOST: What say You ?
I would have to agree with anonymous about not getting the whole picture. One would think that since he is married to an canadian citizen that he would then have the same rights as any other canadian. Is that not true? As to churches refusing help,that is wrong,not only because it is so close to Christmas but for any time of the year. The woman sounds like she is doing all she can to help support her family.Something has to be done to correct this!
Charles, hopefully she will continue reading this. If she will trust you then we will get a hamper to her. Our church also wants to remain anonymous for various reasons (what a sad world when anonymity is a defense). If she will email you then through you we'll get her a hamper. If only to show that canadians are NOT represented by their government.
Find out how old her boy is and if she contacts you then post it here. Nobody should have a complaint at this time of year if we can do anything about it.
I TOO THOUGHT THAT ONCE YOU MARRIED A CANADIAN PERSON, YOU WERE A CITIZEN....I SURE HOPE THIS ISN'T THE SALVATION ARMY REFUSING HER AS I HAVE HEARD SOME HORROR STORIES ABOUT THEM IN THE PAST......IF SO I WILL NEVER GIVE THEM A RED CENT EVER AGAIN!! CAN HER HUSBAND GET SOME WORK UNDER THE TABLE SOME WHERE...LOTS OF CONTRACTORS WORK THAT WAY TO SAVE ON TAXES ......
No, just because you marry a canadian doesn't mean you are automatically a citizen. They simply act as your sponsor. The immigration department is a real horror story in this country that people know little about. In this case the woman said that her husband had been incarcerated or charged in the states. If you've got money then it's usually no problem to become canadian, but as the above mentions, that's not the case.
There is indeed more to the story than what was mentioned. Just ecause you are married to a Canadian citizen, does not mean it makes it any easier to become a citizen. Most circumstances are sponsership through Immigration. But there are cases such as ours, where I am a non status citizen. I first came to Canada, on my way to Alaska, in 1997. Legally, may I add. I decided to check out Vancouver and Victoria while I was passing through. I met my wife right around that time. We debated on what to do about our both being from different countries, and felt it was best if I just stayed in Canada and not have introduce her to the enviornment of the U.S. We did not know what to do, so we travelled around B.C. for a few years. We were in Vancouver with 2 dogs and no place to stay. We discovered that she was pregnant and decided we need to fix our problem through immigration. They gave us an appointment for 2 months later. We did not want to stay on the streets of Vancouver as it is not a very kind place. We ended up looking around the B.C. coast for a place to get jobs and a place to have our child. We even had to give up our dogs, which was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I had come to Canada with my dog. We settled on Vancouver Island.
Meanwhile, we missed our appointment in Vancouver. Our main priority was getting my wife into a home, and off the streets. About two months before our child was born, she was asked for ID along with one of her friends. They were doing nothing wrong. I was getting a sandwich for her. Well, it turns out, there was a Canada wide immigration warrant for me, on her name when they ran it. They arrested me and I was sent to Vancouver immediately. That, was the beginning of our experiences with an unjust immigration system. The officers that transfered me were just that .... transport officers. I was held in Vancouver jail and then brought forth in front of ONE MAN in an office. He simply stated that I was going home. I asked to see a judge, and was told I do not get to see one. I asked to see my wife, and he said no. I said I did not feel it was fair, as I had been in this country for 5 years, was married and have a child coming in two months. He said something I will never forget. He said " I am retiring in 4 weeks, I dislike people from south of the border, and you will be leaving in 20 minutes in handcuffs going back across the border you came over. I am using your felony for a reason, and that is all I need. End of discussion" I put up quite a fuss, but it did not matter, as I was on my way to the border not much after that. He could have just
as simply put me in the system. If the day comes it happens again, I am going to claim refugee under humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
About my felony. One day in California, I did not return a car on time and was charged with
"taking of a vehicle". One of the lowest felonies you can get. I admit that I did not take the car back when I was supposed to and maybe should have called. Something I would never do again. I was quite young, not that it is an excuse. I was given a piece of paper from my judge in California, giving me permission, as a felon, to leave and go be with my wife in Canada. She understood that it was important to be with a wife and a newborn child, especially from the beginning. When I got back to the border, I simply stated who I was, and showed them the papers I had. I was laughed at and the officer said my papers did not mean anything to him and that an american judge can't tell him to let me in. And he denied me. No offense, but no imaginary line would stop me from being with my wife and the child that was about to be born any day. I pure an simply just walked right across the park and the border and did not look back. No imaginary line will ever keep me from my family now. They would have to put me in a steel and concrete cage and keep me there forever.
I have now been in Canada for almost 9 years. We try and live a normal life, but there is no way for us to get ahead. We are not on welfare and have not been. I do not abuse the medical system and have not seen a doctor in a decade. I do not go to a dentist, and have even had to pull my own teeth. I do not drive. I would never try to get fake ID. I just live life as I know it, honestly and respectful of all. Stress is always upon me and my wife. I sit here every day and watch her work all the time and goto school full time. I am quite capable of working but someone has to raise our child. Kind of hard to get a job here in Fredericton with no ID. I value every moment I get with my child. My wife does not get that joy. She sees our child about 20 something hours a week. Her routine is to get up, spend an hour with our child, and goto school, come home for 30 minutes for dinner, then off to work till 3 AM and back to bed. We know that it will be worth it, at least she will get some school and hopefully a better job. But, nothing replaces the hurt in my child's voice when he cries to see his mommie! I SHOULD BE WORKING WHILE SHE IS IN SCHOOL! It doesn not make me feel to good about myself, knowing this.
So, why do we not go to the immigration and see if things can work out. After how we were treated in BC, we have a lack of faith in that department. If you try to contact them here in Fredericton, you get machines. If you try and go in, they have no one there and a book to sign and leave a number in and what it is about. (we took that as a sign) We really do not feel like leaving our info in the book and having the Police knocking on our door trying to tear us apart, before we can even get a chance to plead our case. Then there are the fees. We can not afford a lawer. We can not afford the application fees which are quite high. Her job hardly pays her anything and what little we have, barely covers are bills. We juggle bills untill they are overdue and pay them when she gets taxes back. Then the vicious cycle starts over. I have been in Canada for a decade. This is my home. Her family is my family. If I have to leave, she will have to quit work and school to go on welfare as a single mom. She will lose the place we live in. We of course can not allow that to happen. It is not feasible for us and our child, which is starting to get to the age of asking questions and understanding what is going on.
We have wrote dozens of letters to the immigration minister. Not one single relpy in 3 years. We have been blown off Andy Scott's office and could not even get past talking with a rude secretary. We have written letters to the Premier's office and not one response. It is much more simple for them to ignore the problem. There are lots of non status people that have been here for much longer than me. We have met at least 3 dozen couples in the same exact situation as ours. There have been estimates of any where between 200,000 to 400,000 non status individuals in Canada, and those are very low estimates compared to all the research I do on a regular basis. Sure, the government is "fixing" the problems with immigration, but they are doing nothing about people like us. They have seem to lost the compassion that Canada used to be known for.
As far as I know, I might even get deported over speaking up, if it were figured out who I was. I do not hide who I am when I meet people in person. I believe in honesty and respect. It really bothers us that many Americans that have far worse records than I do, are regularly allowed into Canada. They buy thier way. I am sure that my borrowing a car and not getting it back on time, is far worse than all the crack that 50 Cent was convicted of. Or all the violence he promotes. Robert Downey Jr can come film up here, and he has a long record. Martha Stewart is another example. Meanwhile, people like me are a threat! I just want to live an honest life with my wife and raise our child.
When we decided to get a hamper which will be much welcomed and needed this christmas, we at first thought of the Sally Ann but knew they would require ID's. So, we decided our best option was to goto one of the churches. That way we could state our case and not have to show Id. We figured the church would of course help us. I do not know what little kid has not been told you can turn to a church in time of need. Well, that was not the case. You need to have a medicare number before they will help you. That is what this world has come to! My wife called and because of this, they would not help us. I was angry, I admit, and I called them back wanting to know how they could refuse us. The lady was combative and would not put me through to someone else. Finally, after I asked what the media would think of thier church refusing a Christmas hamper because of someone's immigration status, I was transfered and told they would make an exception. We have talked about it and do not feel safe going to that church and getting the hamper now. Yes... we do not trust the first lady at the church and have no clue if she would turn us in. No hamper is worth being deported over!
My wife went to the Sally Anne and filled out a thing for a hamper there. She just marked down herself, and our child, and did not even mention my existence. We figure getting the much needed food hamper was more important than another problem. Our problem will never go away. I guess that is a small price to pay than having to take my wife and son go and live in the US.... I thought immigration was there to help people come to Canada, not force thier own citizens to leave with thier loved ones who can not be here.
Immigration issues come and go. They seem to always stay in the back of the spotlight. Non Status people treated as if they are non existent. In Toronto, they have a "Don't ask Don't Tell" policy on non status immigrants. If they are asking for help, they will be helped and not turned in. Here in Fredericton, there is no such thing. There is no help available for folks in our type of situation. We are alone. Just a dot on a system that does not work.
As the years go by and my son grows up, I dread the many questions he will ask. I really would not know what to tell him. I feel I should tell him the truth, that I am worthless, but my wife will have no part of letting me do that. I now wonder what I will tell him about churches when he asks. I will just have to let someone else answer that. I do know that we will raise him to respect all life regardles of race, religion or immigration status!
I never thought I would be posting about our situation locally, so I can only hope that nothing ill happens because of doing so. This is my home. I waited my whole life to leave the US. I am glad I made that decision. I wish the Canadian government can honor my decision!
sorry for a book, but I felt I needed to explain our situation instead of fading off and not responding.
John Doe
There's only so much other people can do in such a case, since we have no power over our elected officials either.
However, on the work front, you should definitely check out www.cafepress.com
You submit artwork or your own logo and market them online and cafepress mails you a cheque for how much has been sold.
I've seen few complaints about them, they seem quite good. The problem is that of course there are lots of people doing it so you really have to get online and learn to sell. However, if you can bring your son to a library then you can use their computer, or whatever computer you are using now.
There are many online places where you can learn to sell online, and cafepress also tries to help out as much as possible, since they get most of the money. There is only a certain percentage who buy such 'knickknacks' and t-shirts online, but enough to at least give you some spare cash, and maybe even lots of cash. It literally depends on you. It certainly is no answer to all your ills, but it is a viable option. You can even post stuff here when you need help with anything, people are quite charitable-especially if it doesn't mean cash.
I'd sell and market to americans, since thats the market you know best and they can't tell where you are. Also, because the currency is in american funds, it is far easier than selling in canada which would have an exchange markup.
There are tons of different strategies for selling, I did a degree in marketing and can help out, especially since, like Charles I seem to have ADD and really can't stick with anything long (otherwise I'd do it myself). If you have a son I'd even suggest a child's artwork, things love stuff that comes from kids. Anyway, no point in going into detail if you aren't going to try it. I really recommend it, it sounds tailor made for somebody like you. In fact, if you need artwork or slogans or 'themes' just post it here or contact Charles.
A- are you actually married to this guy or common law?
B- I think Canada should take care it's own people first- then mayeb illegal immigrants.
C- You said he doesn't like the American Government.. now you don't like the Canadian Government? My guess is that he may have doen something rong in his other country.
D- Look out for your little girl- do you want her raised around this guy- teh longer you arer with him- the harder it will be on your child when the police come and rip apart your family. Really hoping that this does not happen to you- but remember to put you little girl first.
I love all three of you and only wish I could help.
M@
A. Common law or married makes no difference I would suspect
B. Canada should take care of it's citizens, you are correct. I believe that is their issue. The Canadian government is turning it's back on two of it's citizens. Remeber, the mother and child are Canadian citizens.
C.He does not like the American government? I am sure there are many people that can not stand the American government and what they have been doing. As for her losing faith in the Canadian government, I would think I could lose faith if I were in her situation also. He clearly stated what his legal problem was with the American government, a past petty charge, it would seem.
D. You are correct! The child should come first, which is what they are trying to do. I really seriously doubt that you even read what they wrote. If you had, you would know that it is a little boy .... not a girl.
" do you want her raised around this guy- teh longer you arer with him- the harder it will be on your child when the police come and rip apart your family. "
This guy is the child's father. And from what I gather, the full time care provider for this child. The best intrest would seem to be keeping the family together and the child with his father. Are you a parent? Would the best thing for your children, be for you to leave them and your spouse? I would seriously doubt so.
I guess they could just be ignored and eventually the family could go and be with the husband in the States..... afterall, it would leave more room for Immigration to let in more strippers or terrorists and thier families!
Yeas, I am a parent (of three) I love my chidlren and would never endanger them having the stress that this man and woman have. Do not get me wrong though- obviously it would be best if thinsg worked out and the daddy was able to stay with his family... but shouldn't things be worked out first? Has anyone thought about protesting in front of an immigration office? I realize there may be an ill effect if this man is caught- but obviously he seems to be trying to gain citizenship anyway right? he says no one will answer him- they will if he does this.
I would hate to see this little boy be stuck in a position of seeing his family torn apart.
Hi all. Looks like a touchy subject. I will say I agree with the most of the postings here- there has to be more to it. From my own experience with immigration- there was no problem. Actually these people were very helpful. If he committed a crime, then he should be a man and face it- who knows-- if it is not a huge crime- maybe they will see where this young man now has a familt etc.
As far as all the complaining over "Sally Ann's" and local charity groups- let's all try to remember they have rules too. They do so mcuh every year to help those in need, and if they want to know where there help is going so be it! I feel bad for the people that had to listen to complaints from teh authors of this blog. They spend a lot of time helping others- you must admit your case is an exception to the rule. But the rules are rules!
Here is my concern: to the Chruch thate feels the need to defend itself. Churches are here to help people- and I agree with a previous mentioned comment about knowing where the hamper was going. The church of all places should not feel the need to be anonymous! Congrats to the chruch for still offering that family teh hamper. I also. among several other "posters" feel sorry for the child. While I do not feel sorry for teh parents, I do see the sad story. Getting pregnant on the street is no way to bring a child into teh world- but forgive me- I do realize that I don't know about your birth control means- mayeb the chidl was a surprise. To the mother: do you realize taht you are going to be supporting this man for the rest of your life? I guess as long as he is worth missing out on time with your son, then so be it. Fess up- mayeb things could legally work out. it's one thing to say this happened to me, but if you are really trying to solve your problem- why not take it to the media?
Let's send a copy of this blog to some ministers and andy scott's staff. Would that get this problem solved?
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