Defending Cessation Applications
November 19, 2024
I was invited recently as a guest on the excellent immigration law podcast – Borderlines. The topic was cessation, specifically, the work that our law firm does in defending and preventing cessation applications.
Cessation is a category of refugee law that determines when a refugee’s need for protection in Canada has come to an end. In certain circumstances a refugee’s behavior can indicate to the Canadian government that they have ceased to be a refugee. When that happens, they can be subject to a cessation application to revoke their refugee status and permanent resident status.
Cessation applications often come as a complete surprise to refugees. They can result from an application to renew permanent resident cards, applications for refugee travel documents, or even applications for Canadian citizenship, when these applications disclose possible violations of Canada’s cessation laws. They can also be initiated after a refugee returns to Canada after being questioned by CBSA officers upon their return.
As a result of the cessation laws numerous refugees in Canada have found themselves on the verge of becoming Canadian citizens only to see that blocked at the last minute and then forced to defend themselves just to remain in Canada – no matter how long they have been in Canada – and even if they have spouses and children who are Canadian citizens.
I encourage any refugee who is facing a cessation application, and others who simply wish to learn more about how to prevent this from happening, to listen to this podcast.
Our office has assisted more than 60 clients in cessation proceedings. As a result, we are one of the most experienced Canadian law firms in this area of immigration law. Our focus is not only defending people who are facing cessation applications but providing advice in advance to try to prevent being subject to a cessation application.
This is a complex area of immigration law, confusing even to many immigration lawyers.
Refugees must be extremely cautious and obtain good advice in order to prevent the loss of their refugee status, the loss of their permanent residence status, and the blocking of an application for Canadian citizenship.
If you think you might be at risk of cessation, we urge you to get reliable and knowledgeable advice as soon as possible. Our lawyers are available for consultations in this matter. Email [email protected] if you have any questions about cessation.
View the podcast here: https://youtu.be/JA2JHIB6Ub0?si=pxqhvthc0UJZC2Pf
