Palestinian families in Gaza who applied to join relatives in Canada through a special crisis immigration program have seen their legal efforts fail after the Federal Court dismissed multiple lawsuits aimed at forcing Canadian officials to process their long-delayed visa applications.
Court Decisions and Heartbreaking Stories
Justice Henry S. Brown ruled on four similar court cases that sought to compel Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process temporary resident visa applications from Gazan residents. While acknowledging the "heartbreaking" circumstances described by applicants, Justice Brown determined he could not issue the orders they sought.
The cases represented ten Gazan residents, including families who described living in partially destroyed homes with rats and exposure to the elements. One case involved a family of five—a mother, father, and three children—who the court heard were living in one room of their damaged Gaza City home.
Canada's Gaza Visa Program Details
The lawsuits stem from Canada's temporary public policy announced on January 9, 2024, designed to facilitate temporary resident visas for extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents affected by the crisis in Gaza.
The program was specifically capped at 5,000 visas and provided expedited processing by exempting applicants from normal requirements like proving financial stability and demonstrating they would leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.
Despite the program's intention to provide quick refuge, court documents revealed that approximately 4,200 applications remain unprocessed nearly two years after the policy was implemented.
Similar Programs and Ongoing Challenges
Canada has implemented similar emergency immigration policies in other crisis situations, including for Ukrainians fleeing Russia's invasion, Afghans escaping the Taliban's return to power, and those affected by earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.
The recent court decisions highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinian families seeking refuge in Canada through the specialized program. With the lawsuits dismissed and the visa cap potentially limiting further approvals, many applicants remain in dangerous conditions in Gaza while their immigration status remains uncertain.
