A Nigerian family residing in Windsor, Ontario, is appealing to the Canadian government to allow them to remain in the country for reasons of personal safety and to ensure continued medical care for their 16-year-old daughter, a cancer survivor.
Amirat Fayemi, the daughter, expressed her plea for safety and ongoing medical treatment, emphasizing that returning to Nigeria would pose significant risks due to her father’s current perilous situation and the necessity of her medical care.
Having battled leukemia in 2022 and now undergoing treatment for a new blood-related issue that raises concerns about a potential cancer recurrence, Amirat’s health remains a top priority for the family. Despite being instructed to leave Canada, they have chosen to defy this directive.
While Amirat’s treating physician has advised against air travel for her due to medical reasons, a different doctor appointed by immigration authorities has contested this recommendation.
Amirat’s medical journey began in Nigeria, where she was initially misdiagnosed before being correctly diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) during a trip to the United States. Subsequent treatment led the family to seek refuge in Canada, with hopes for a better life for Amirat, especially considering her father’s dangerous position in Nigeria.
Despite their asylum claim being rejected along with subsequent appeals, the family now seeks permanent residency on humanitarian and compassionate grounds as a final attempt to remain in Canada. However, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) maintains that the application for permanent residency does not warrant delaying the family’s deportation.
The looming threat of deportation has left the family anxious, especially considering Amirat’s ongoing medical needs. Despite facing challenges in their legal battle to stay, the family remains hopeful for a positive resolution, with the community rallying behind them to support their cause.
While the family’s fate hangs in the balance, they continue to appeal for a chance to secure a future in Canada and provide the necessary medical care for Amirat, underscoring the critical importance of their plea for compassion and understanding from Canadian authorities.
