"Considering the majority of houses in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged, gathering previous passport information becomes nearly impossible. This disparity in requirements exacerbates the challenges faced by Palestinian applicants, highlighting the urgent need for reform in the immigration process."
May 9, 2024
To:
Sarah Smellie, Reporter, The Canadian Press
Andrea Baillie, Editor-in-Chief, The Canadian Press
Dear Sarah Smellie,
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) to express my appreciation for a recent article titled, “Minister said ‘hundreds’ of Canadians might use Gaza visa. More than 7,500 applied,” published on May 9 by The Canadian Press.
I appreciated that The Canadian Press published an article about the Federal Immigration Department’s weak efforts in facilitating the immigration of family members from Gaza into Canada. I particularly appreciated hearing from immigration lawyer Debbie Rachlis and reading about the challenges faced by Palestinians trying to reunite with their families, some of whom have tragically been killed during the prolonged waiting period.
However, I believe the article falls short of accurately portraying the issues faced by Palestinians in completing the application form. You wrote: “The process to apply for temporary refuge involves several steps, starting with a statutory declaration from a Canadian family member and an online form with details about their situation.” The description provided doesn't convey the reality or the discriminatory and impractical nature of the form to which you refer.
The questions posed in the form deserve more attention, as they shed light on one of the main issues preventing many from obtaining visas and leaving Gaza. For example, as reported in The Hill Times, the form demands information beyond what is typically requested from other refugees. This includes details such as previous passport information, past phone numbers, social media accounts, employment history since the age of 16, and even specifics about any scars or injuries. For instance, considering the majority of houses in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged, gathering previous passport information becomes nearly impossible. This disparity in requirements exacerbates the challenges faced by Palestinian applicants, highlighting the urgent need for reform in the immigration process.
Considering your article pertains to Canada’s temporary visa program, some of these critical details should be included to maintain the standards of journalistic accuracy.
Thank you for your consideration,
Mary Ann Matta,
Media Analyst, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East