Since 1996 Olympia Neri, Julio Gomez, son Julio Jr. and Canadian-born son Brian have been applying to be allowed to permanently reside in Canada. Julio Sr. and Olympia fled Mexico with Julio Jr. in the face of police harassment and threats after working to provide humanitarian assistance to the indigenous people of Chiapas. Since arriving in Vancouver, the Gomez family has been active in their community. They are involved in their housing co-op, their church, and in groups for Latin American immigrants. Julio Jr. participates in school sports and an arts enrichment program outside of school.
Earlier this year their refugee application was denied. They then applied for landed immigrant status on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. On Dec. 13, 1999, this application was also denied and the family faced imminent deportation. However, thanks to an outpouring of public support, media coverage, support from their Member of Parliament, and hundreds of faxes, phone calls, and e-mails to the Minister of Immigration, the Hon. Elinor Caplan, the family was granted a reprieve. Their departure order was extended indefinitely while the Minister reviews their case.
While the family and their supporters are grateful to the Minister for her positive intervention, we are asking the Minister to take the next positive step and overturn the decision that denied their humanitarian and compassionate application. It is imperative that the Minister knows that we will not accept the family's deportation, even after the holiday season has passed. Please contact the Minister and make her aware of your continued support for the Gomex family.
Elinor Caplan, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, can be reached at:
Phone 613-992-0253
Fax 613-992-0887
E-mail Caplan.E@parl.gc.ca
Please cc any e-mails to heidis@bc-alter.net
Contact the Gomez Family Support Network:
Paul Reniers 604-254-4746, smithier@bc-alter.net Judy Heintz 604-873-0105, Judy_Heintz@applesbc.bc.ca
Attached below is a sample letter for your reference.
Sample Letter:
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Name:__________________
Address:________________
_______________________
_______________________
Date:__________________
Hon. Elinor Caplan By Fax: 613 952-5533
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
Government of Canada
Dear Minister Caplan,
Thank you for extending a stay of deportation to the Gomez family of Vancouver while you look into their case.
As you know, the members of this family have shown themselves to be good citizens with continued strong support in their community. The Gomezes are at risk of political persecution if they are returned to Mexico. For these reasons, I ask you to overturn the decision of the immigration officer hearing their Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds application, and allow this family to stay in Canada as immigrants.
Thank you for your personal attention to this matter and I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday.
Sincerely,
_________________________