Stewart Sharma Harsanyi Immigration Law Firm Blog

Canadian Jailed in India on Visa Violation

Canadian Saul Itzhayek has been jailed and sentenced for 3 years for entering India without a visa from Nepal. Imprisoned in the Bihar city of Motihari, Itzhayek has already been incarcerated for 8 months - with, what he claims is inadequate assistance from Canadian authorities. Full article here, excerpt: Itzhayek was in Nepal on a business trip and sent a driver into India to pick up a money transfer. The Indian police stopped the driver at the border, and in turn asked Itzhayek to come into India and explain what was going on. He knew he didn't have a valid visa, but says the police offered him safe passage. When he arrived in the country, he was questioned and then charged with "violating India's sovereignty." In a sworn statement, Itzhayek says the police demanded a bribe. He offered them 50,000 rupees, which is about $1,200, but says they wanted 500,000 rupees, and wouldn't give him time to raise the money. "Now, or forget it." So, no bribe, no release, and ultimately - three years in prison. "I know they're all corrupt here," he says, bitterly. "I've told them they can check my file. I've done nothing wrong in 42 years.... Read more →

Laibar Singh - the saga continues

It appears that the inability to deport Laibar has taken a toll on CBSA enforcement officers: As first reported in The Globe and Mail this week, Mr. Moran has expressed concerns about the suggestion that the case of Mr. Singh has gone on too long, frustrating B.C.-based members of his union. A confidential assessment of the situation, prepared for Mr. Moran by a B.C. employee of the agency's removals unit, said most officers feel "not removing Mr. Singh makes us look impotent." The author of the assessment says officers are "very frustrated about how the case is being handled, and how it makes us look." It appears that CBSA enforcement have been advised that the removal of Laibar Singh is a question of when, not if. **** Update ***** The Vancouver Sun has published an article detailing the costs incurred by the Canadian government - or more appropriately, by Canadian taxpayers by the ongoing Laibar Singh saga. In essence: ... In response to an Access to Information request from The Sun, the Canada Border Services Agency provided a breakdown of the $62,947 it has spent so far on the Singh case: - Three payments to Fox Flight Air Ambulance for... Read more →

Basque Terrorist Fights Deportation

Ivan Apaolaza Sancho, a suspected Basque terrorist is fighting to stay in Canada. Accused of participation in 2 attempted car bombings, Sancho's counsel intends to put the Spanish government "on trial" to keep his client in Canada. National Post Article here. Read more →

Former Live in Caregiver Murdered

The life of an immigrant is never easy. A newcomer to Canada leaves behind his or her family, friends, home and familiar environs in hopes of a brighter future in this country. There are many success stories - especially tragic are instances where the dream ends. Arcelie Laoagan's life ended violently after working a late shift in downtown Calgary. A mother of five from the Philippines, Arcelie originally came to Canada as a live in caregiver and wanted to sponsor her five children and husband to come live with her here. Globe and Mail article here. A church leader spoke of Arcelie to the Calgary Herald: "She sacrificially lived for her family, to make a way for them to have a better life in Canada," Zoeteman said on Saturday of the woman with the magnetic personality. "Her nature was always to have two jobs. It was her intent to pay the way for her entire family to come here as well." Laoagan's employer - West Canadian - has set up a trust fund for Laoagan's family and has contributed $10,000. It appears that Laoagan had initiated the process of sponsoring her family to Canada. With the death of the sponsor,... Read more →