January 2011
We, the undersigned, write to request the Canadian government to exercise its discretion under s.25(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to permit Phillip Allen to apply for permanent residency from within Canada.
Phillip is a hardworking and dedicated husband and father who has made invaluable contributions to the migrant worker community and to Canadian society. From 2003 to 2007, he came to Canada from Jamaica each year and worked for 8 months of the year as a productive member of Canadian society as part of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program. As a legally employed worker, he contributed from his income to Canadian provincial and federal taxes and to employment insurance. He was consistently requested back by his employer.
When his kidneys failed in July 2007, Phillip became dependent on regular dialysis to survive. Without dialysis, Phillip will be dead in between 7 to 10 days. If he is forced to return to Jamaica, he will not receive dialysis. Public facilities are crippled by such long waiting lists that people die while waiting for treatment and private facilities are far too expensive for Phillip. Despite this reality, and Phillip's many contributions to Canadian society, his refugee claim has been denied. A successful humanitarian and compassionate claim is his only hope to remain in Canada.
Phillip is an important and contributing member of his community. He is a volunteer youth group leader twice a week for the youth at the Brampton Church of God, which he has been attending since 2003. Phillip is a pillar of strength for other dialysis patients; he always has words of encouragement and a positive outlook to help lift their spirits and in doing so, improve their health.
Though he can no longer work, Phillip has also remained active in the migrant farm worker community. He has donated his time, his positive outlook and his stories as a public lecturer, travelling throughout southern Ontario to share his experiences as a migrant worker with the Canadian public.
Phillip Allen is an asset to Canada and a courageous, cheerful individual. He will never receive dialysis if he is returned to Jamaica; this would be his death warrant. We ask that such a vibrant individual be allowed to stay in Canada and continue to make these contributions. If he is returned, not only will his wife and children lose a loved one, but his Canadian community will have lost a dear friend. We urge the Federal Government to accept Phillip Allen's humanitarian and compassionate claim.
