The Chaudhrys are a family of five living in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Well-established members of the broader community, they are facing an imminent deportation order to Pakistan or the US, where they face imprisonment, violence, or death. Local community members are calling on MP Peter Van Loan to stop the deportation immediately.
Chaudhry Roouf Ahmad and Fakhira Chaudhry fled Pakistan after being subject to violence and death threats from Fakhira’s family, who did not approve of their marriage. They came to Canada via the US in 2003, and have made a home for themselves with their three children in Halifax’s vibrant Muslim community.
The family’s refugee claim was rejected in 2006 and they are scheduled to be deported to Pakistan or the US in January 2010. They face extreme violence if returned to Pakistan. Fakhira also has diabetes and other health conditions that she suffers as a result of the beatings she endured at the hands of her family. The Chaudhrys have the support of Greater Halifax Partnership and the local Islamic community in their proposal to open an Islamic / Halal food restaurant in Halifax, and will likely be eligible to immigrate formally if the deportation order is stayed and they are able to apply for permanent resident status from within Canada.
MP Jason Kenney, the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, and MP Peter Van Loan, the Minister of Public Safety, are the two individuals with the power to stop the deportation. We are asking for your help in demanding the removal of the deportation order against Chaudhry Roouf Ahmad and Fakhira Chaudhry.Please take the time to contact Minister Kenney and Minister Van Loan to express your support for the Chaudhry family in their struggle to remain in Canada.
More information, and a sample letter with the phone numbers, mailing addresses and email addresses of Minister Kenney and Minister Van Loan are located on the Chaudhry solidarity website. Please bear in mind that a phone call or letter is more effective than an email, but every contribution is helpful. Postage is free to MPs, and letters are also available to be signed in the NSPIRG office.