Afghan Professor Protests Outside Parliament Against Children’s Deportation
A former Afghan professor has made headlines for his protest outside the Canadian Parliament, drawing attention to his children’s imminent deportation. Mohammad, who fled Afghanistan for Pakistan after the Taliban regained power in 2021, spent 23 days on the steps of Parliament Hill in Ottawa, seeking assistance for his two oldest children left behind in Pakistan.
Concerns Over Deportation of Afghan Children
Mohammad’s two eldest children, aged 25 and 23, are at risk of being sent back to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. His daughter was close to completing her dentistry studies, while his son was pursuing a degree in computer science. With their applications to join the rest of the family in Surrey, British Columbia, denied due to their ages, Mohammad fears for their future.
Background of the Family’s Situation
After arriving in Canada with his wife and five younger children in December 2023, Mohammad applied for his older children’s visas. Unfortunately, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) informed him that the children were deemed too old to reunite with the family. According to an IRCC spokesperson, while many Afghans are vulnerable, specific cases are not disclosed for privacy reasons.
- Mohammad’s children: 25 years old (daughter) and 23 years old (son)
- Immigration status: Approved visas for the rest of the family in Canada
- Denial reason: Children classified as too old under immigration rules
Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to deport Afghans. Amnesty International reports over one million Afghan refugees have been forced to return due to a stringent repatriation policy. More than 1.4 million Afghans hold Proof of Registration cards that are now targeted for deportation.
Public Protest and Political Engagement
In a determined effort to raise awareness, Mohammad camped outside the Parliament, despite harsh weather conditions. He displayed a message indicating the danger his children could face if sent back to Afghanistan. Most Members of Parliament (MPs) overlooked his presence until Marc Miller, a former immigration minister, acknowledged him, leading to discussions on the situation.
Miller expressed empathy and indicated he would inquire about potential options for Mohammad’s family, acknowledging the broader implications of similar cases involving Afghan refugees.
Financial and Emotional Strain
Mohammad is also enduring financial hardship. He was previously supporting his children in Pakistan with benefits from British Columbia, but new restrictions have made it difficult to send money. Efforts to place his children on a waiting list for sponsorship through a local church could take years, given the limited spaces available.
Government representatives, including NDP immigration spokesperson Jenny Kwan, emphasized the need for policy flexibility that considers the unique vulnerabilities of young dependents, particularly single women.
Community Support and Personal Struggles
Despite the challenges, Mohammad’s experience during the protest highlighted the compassion of the public. He noted the kindness of individuals, including one elderly woman who funded a night’s stay in a hostel. Initially planning to hold a continuous vigil, he faced limitations from law enforcement and eventually returned to British Columbia due to high accommodation costs in Ottawa.
Mohammad’s plight reflects the ongoing struggles faced by many Afghan refugees. The urgency with which the Canadian government addresses family reunification for these vulnerable individuals remains a pressing issue in light of current immigration policies.
