Miguel, a 22-year-old apprentice carpenter in Montreal and the primary provider for his young family, is at risk of being deported, a situation increasingly common among asylum seeker families in Canada. His partner, Andrea, 23, fled from an abusive partner in Mexico and faced domestic violence in Canada, leading to hospitalization two years ago.
Describing Miguel as the pillar of stability for their family, Andrea highlighted his role as the main financial support and constant source of strength at home, especially for their seven-month-old son. Concerned about potential separation, Andrea expressed her anxiety and paranoia, emphasizing her trust in Miguel’s care for their child.
Due to safety concerns, CBC has chosen not to disclose the couple’s last names. Miguel faces threats from cartel members in Mexico, while Andrea fears being tracked by her abusive partners in Mexico and Quebec, where her ex was recently released from jail.
The family is urgently seeking more time from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to appeal through a pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA) process, aiming to demonstrate the threats Miguel faces in Mexico. However, his deportation date of May 5 precedes his eligibility for the PRRA by 10 days.
Notably, Canada has announced stringent immigration measures, setting a deportation target of 20,000 individuals annually between 2025 and 2027. The CBSA has witnessed a significant increase in deportations, rising to over 23,000 in 2025 from 7,500 to 17,000 in the previous years.
The passing of immigration bill C-12, coupled with the surge in deportations, has left thousands in immigration uncertainty, prompting advocates to rally against family separations. Concerns have been raised about Quebec border agents seemingly disregarding factors like child welfare when enforcing deportations.
The Welcome Collective has been instrumental in aiding cases of family separations, including those where at least one family member’s refugee claim was successful. In Andrea’s situation, pending a decision on her PRRA application, she is shielded from deportation, with hopes for a similar reprieve for Miguel.
Lawyers and advocates in Quebec are struggling to prevent deportations, citing a shortage of immigration legal representation as a barrier for families. The situation mirrors that of an Indian father reported by CBC, highlighting the challenges faced by families in the immigration system.
Despite legal rights to deport individuals without status, the CBSA’s actions in Quebec have drawn criticism for apparent swift and aggressive deportations without due consideration for family unity and child welfare, as stipulated in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Miguel, who has built a life in Canada over three years, expressed distress at the prospect of separation from his family. Despite his efforts to establish himself through work and community engagement, he faces the grim reality of deportation and its impact on his loved ones.
With CBSA denying a stay on Miguel’s deportation, citing the partner’s PRRA application as insufficient grounds for delay, the family’s future remains uncertain. Immigration experts stress the need for balanced enforcement that upholds humanitarian considerations in immigration decisions.
