What joy and relief! The Yourdkhani family has arrived at Pearson airport safe and sound at last! Although obviously tired by their long ordeal and somewhat overwhelmed, the Yourdkhanis expressed gratitude and thanks to the Canadian government and all the people who have helped bring them back. Kevin was finally able to hold on to the security of a big fuzzy bear which was banned to him — and to all the incarcerated children at Hutto. He was even able to manage a smile.
Now begins the laborious process of having this family granted permanent residency. I feel that they are in good hands with the highly capable Andrew Brouwer looking after this, so that the system does not fail them again. They have already suffered so much.
Once again, I’d like to thank all those bloggers and readers here who had unquestioningly supported me and liberal catnip, responded to our action alerts, and joined in the tireless effort to bring justice for this family. As well, Liberal MP for Brampton-Springdale Dr. Ruby Dhalla deserves heartfelt thanks for her letter and phone calls urging Peter MacKay to act.
Read this Global National report: Cdn boy and Iranian parents arrive in Canada
Read this CBC News report: Canadian boy, parents arrive in Toronto after Texas prison stay
Toronto, Ontario – Majid Yourdkhani (C), his son Kevin (R), and wife Masomeh Aubegi (L) arrive at Pearson International Airport after being released from detention in Texas, in Toronto, March 21, 2007. (National Post)
UPDATE: I just saw on this morning’s CBC News (March22, 10:00 am EDT) that the Yourdkhani family’s plight is far from over. They were only granted a six-month temporary residency permit. If their permanent claim is denied, they still face deportation. Consequently, we must remain vigilant to ensure that this does not happen.
We Canadians pride ourselves in our welcoming, multi-cultural society that provides safe haven to those seeking a better life. Let us show this by granting the Yourdkhani family permanent residency. This family must be allowed to remain in Canada so that they can live a normal life, free from threat of persecution and imprisonment. Diane Finley and her department must do the right thing!
![Daily Mail [UK]](http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t193/Annamarie_033/mHead2.gif "British daily newspaper")
March 22, 2007 at 4:19 am |
I couldn’t be more pleased! I was beginning to get worried that we hadn’t heard any updates since last week. What a happy picture–thanks for posting it, Annamarie
March 22, 2007 at 4:30 am |
You’re very welcome, GDK! And thank you for all your help and support. Yes, I was beginning to get worried too. This was such wonderful news! I saw it on TV after I got home late from a meeting. We’ll still have to keep watchful, just so that the system doesn’t fail them again.
March 22, 2007 at 6:46 am |
Congratulations Annamarie and kudos for your tireless efforts on behalf of the Yourdkhanis. You are an example for all bloggers.
March 22, 2007 at 2:46 pm |
Thank you, psychols. However, the Yourdkhanis plight is far from over, since they only have a 6 month temporary permit. Please read my UPDATE above that I just wrote after hearing the latest on CBC News this morning.
I will not rest until they have been granted permanent residency, without the threat of deportation after 6 months. I’ll be keeping everyone updated as I hear.
Thanks for your support!
March 23, 2007 at 2:10 pm |
[...] his father Majid and mother Masomeh Alibegi are finally coming home! (hat tip to liberal catnip and Annamarie at Verbena-19). It is not surprising that they were housed at the Williamson County’s T. Don Hutto [...]