A family from Nigeria residing in Windsor, Ontario, is urgently appealing to the Canadian government to permit them to remain in the country. Their plea is based on concerns for their safety and the need for their daughter, a 16-year-old cancer survivor, to continue receiving medical care.
Amirat Fayemi, the teenage cancer survivor, emphasized the importance of their stay in Canada for her ongoing medical treatments and checkups. She expressed apprehension about returning to Nigeria due to safety risks faced by her father, who is currently in a precarious situation.
Having battled leukemia in 2022 and currently undergoing treatment for a new blood-related issue, Amirat fears a potential cancer recurrence. Despite medical advice against flying, the family was instructed to leave the country, which they defied.
The family detailed a history of misdiagnosis and lack of proper medical care in Nigeria before Amirat was correctly diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia during a vacation in the United States. Following her treatment in the U.S., they relocated to Canada, seeking a better life for Amirat.
Amirat’s father, a political figure in Nigeria, faced danger and went into hiding after exposing government corruption. The family’s asylum claim in Canada was denied, leading them to apply for permanent residency on humanitarian grounds as a final resort.
However, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) maintained that the family’s deportation could not be delayed despite their application. The CBSA cited medical assessments that suggested Amirat could receive treatment in Nigeria and did not require urgent medical attention.
The family missed their scheduled deportation date as Amirat was undergoing necessary medical procedures at a local hospital. Community groups in Windsor voiced support for the family’s plea, highlighting their contributions to society and urging authorities to consider the human aspect of the case.
Efforts to expedite the family’s case are ongoing, with local MPs being contacted for assistance. The family remains hopeful for a positive resolution while facing the looming threat of deportation.
The family’s plea for compassion and a chance to continue their life in Canada underscores the critical need for understanding and consideration in immigration decisions.