Paralyzed Pinay Spared from Deportation from Canada
ABS-CBN North America News Bureau
Posted at 08/05/2015 12:25 PM
EDMONTON, Canada – Filipina worker and hit and run victim Vicky Venancio has been allowed to extend her stay in the country after Citizenship and Immigration Canada granted her a two year open work permit.
Venancio is happy and thankful for the decision, which comes months following an appeal to Immigration Canada last February after facing deportation as a temporary worker.
“Ang tagal na po naming nakikiusap na makapag-stay ako dito. At least ngayon, naawa na yata si Minister Alexander. Sobrang saya,” she said.
Venancio arrived in Canada in 2011, but got hit by a car as she was riding a bicycle to work. The accident left her seriously injured, in a wheelchair, and unable to renew her work permit. She also lost her Alberta health care benefits and was told to leave Canada.
But Venancio’s lawyers appealed to immigration authorities to let her stay on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
“Her medical benefits will be restored and that’s something she really needs at this point,” explained Marco Luciano of Migrante Canada.
Community groups gathered to support Venancio’s cause by launching a petition, fundraising, and campaigning for justice.
“This is just the first step towards her struggle for permanent residency. The community will continue to fight for her to make sure she is granted permanent residency through compassionate and humanitarian grounds,” Luciano said.