A group of Reginans is urging the federal government to allow two Nigerian students to remain in Canada after they were ordered to leave the country earlier this year.
The students originally came to Canada on a scholarship program to study at the University of Regina. But back in June they were ordered deported after they took up employment when they allegedly misunderstood the terms of their visas.
Ever since then, they’ve been seeking sanctuary in a local church, asking for a chance to stay in Canada and complete their studies.
Despite local support for their cause, the Canadian government has responded by saying there is no legal basis for them to stay.
On Sunday at the Artful Dodger Cafe & Music Emporium in Regina, representatives from the Saskatchewan Immigration Justice Network were gathering signatures for a petition to send to Ottawa. They’ve sent 1800 signatures in a previous petition already. They say they’ve gotten lots of support from the community.
“It’s exciting that whenever we have petitions at tables, everyone’s heard about the case… Most people are like, ‘yes, I’ve heard about this, this is important, i want to sign,’ ” said Naomi Beingessner from the Saskatchewan Immigration Justice Network.
Despite no change in the government’s position, they remain hopeful that they will be successful.
“We’ve tried to appeal to the better nature of people that comes out at Christmas, maybe a little bit of forgiveness and Christian charity,” Beingessner said.
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