Palestinian families from Gaza take Canadian government to court

Some Palestinian families are suing the Canadian government due to repeated delays in a temporary program designed to provide visas for Palestinians with relatives in the Gaza Strip. The program has been heavily criticized for its complexity and inefficiency in issuing visas, leaving many applicants waiting for approval for an extended period. The delays have caused immense distress and uncertainty for families desperately seeking reunification and safety.

Marku and Lee, a Toronto-based immigration and refugee law firm, filed a lawsuit on February 6 on behalf of 53 Palestinian families currently in the Gaza Strip, demanding that the Canadian Federal Court immediately process these applications. The law firm stated that half of their clients are children, the youngest being only seven months old. They expressed concern about the Canadian government leaving these applications "in a state of limbo," especially as the situation in the Gaza Strip deteriorates, rendering the region uninhabitable since the program's launch over a year ago. The escalating conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza further emphasize the urgency of these applications.

The law firm stated that their clients' Canadian relatives submitted petitions on behalf of their relatives within a month of the application submission, but these applications have not yet moved to the next stage. Canadian families who petitioned on behalf of their relatives remain deeply concerned about the safety of their family members. Hana Marku, a partner at the law firm, said in a press release: "Despite their urgent need for protection, the Canadian government has left their applications in a state of limbo, taking no action while these families continue to suffer." This inaction has amplified the anxiety and desperation of families awaiting a response.

Citizenship and Immigration Minister Marc Miller initially launched the visa program on January 9, 2024, aiming to enable Canadian citizens and permanent residents to apply to bring extended family members from Gaza to Canada, amidst Israel's war on Gaza that began in October 2023, which has resulted in at least 48,000 deaths. The program requires Canadian families bringing relatives to Canada to provide financial support. The pathway is set to close on April 22, or when 5,000 applications are reached. To date, 4,782 applications have been processed, leaving clients still waiting for their applications to be processed with very little time left. The impending closure of the program adds further pressure on the already strained system.

"Despite their urgent need for protection, the Canadian government has left their applications in a state of limbo, taking no action while these families continue to suffer," the press release stated. Successful applicants will be approved for temporary residence for up to three years. "Our clients are asking the Canadian Federal Court to issue an order directing the government to immediately process these families' pending applications," Marku and Lee said. The lawsuit underscores the urgent need for the Canadian government to address the delays and provide a swift resolution for these vulnerable families.