Stop deportation of Issam Alyamani

October, 2022

  Dear friends and supporters of Issam Al Yamani, Four years ago we wrote to inform you that the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) recommended that the Minister of Public Safety,, deny Issam Al Yamani’s request for Ministerial Relief from threat of deportation to statelessness. With much disappointment and frustration, we are writing to inform you that the minister has denied Ministerial Relief to our friend, Issam Al Yamani. In doing so, he has denied justice to Issam by putting his right to continue to live in Canada in jeopardy. This decision has been made despite the fact that nothing substantive has changed. Issam, who has been an active member of his community for over 35 years, is and has always been a law-abiding resident of Canada. He has never been charged or convicted of breaking the law, and the minister has not substantiated the unfair claim that Issam’spresence is a danger to the security of Canada. It is important to reiterate the fact that CBSA itself confirmed (in an assessment on July 14th, 2014) that Mr. Al Yamani does notconstitute a danger to the national security of Canada. In a letter to Minister Goodale dated July 4th, 2017, the Ontario Civil Liberties Association (OCLA) also affirmedthat not only was Mr. Al Yamani far from being a threat to the national interest but was also “a model of civic and political engagement”. The truth remains that Issam Al Yamani is being penalized for expressing pro-Palestinian views that any Canadian would legally be allowed to express. It is Issam’s right to the freedom of expression that appears to be the reason for the denial of Ministerial Relief. To be more specific, the minister did not like Mr. Al Yamani's political activism supporting the Palestinian str statements made at a rally on July 30th, 2014, in support of the Palestinian people struggle. Once again, Issam Al Yamani’s struggle for his rights continues. Issam apoealed the Minister’s decision and won the case.The judge ordered the Minister to look again at Mr. yamani’s case. Alyamani must now submit a formal new legal appeal to the Minister to reconsider his decision—which will be costly. Once more, we need your help.This time, we are asking you to make a donation to support the legal expenses that will be required to win this moral appeal. Our target fundraising goal at this time is $20,000. All donations—however small or large—are much needed, deeply appreciated, and will go directly towards the legal expenses needed in this effort to win the appeal. While the legal system moves slowly, we will provide updates as soon as information comes available. And we will keep you informed of other ways in which you can continue to show your support to Issam has he continues to fight for justice. In solidarity, Let Issam Stay Campaign