QUESTION PERIOD — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Iranian Refugees
October 4, 2023
Senator Gold, the Iranian regime’s repression has forced many women to flee, including Nahid Modaressi, a member of Iran’s LGBTQ+ community who is particularly at risk.
In 2018, Ms. Modaressi fled Iran and obtained refugee status in Turkey. However, because of an agreement between Iran and Turkey, her status was not renewed and she is now facing deportation. A group of Canadians is prepared to welcome her here. She applied for a visa to enter Canada, but her application was denied. Urgent action is needed.
Senator Gold, can Canada do more to help Nahid Modaressi and other exiled women in the same situation?
Thank you for your question.
The government announced that Rainbow Railroad will work to identify LGBTQI+ people and their families who are fleeing violence and persecution and refer them to the Government-Assisted Refugees Program. I have been assured that the government is continuing to work with Rainbow Railroad and other civilian organizations to help the private sector sponsor refugees from abroad who are part of this community, including those who are fleeing Iran.
Everyone should have the right to be safe, regardless of their gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation. The number of LGBTQI+ refugees is growing, and the government continues to find them a safe place to call home here in Canada.
Unfortunately, Senator Gold, the Rainbow Railroad coalition is overwhelmed. As such, Nahid Modaressi, like other women in her situation, would like to apply for refugee status in Canada but does not have the means to take a plane to get to Canada because her visa was denied.
Is there a way for Ms. Modaressi to apply for refugee status in Canada from Turkey?
Thank you for raising this concern. I will follow up on your question with the Minister of Immigration. The Privacy Act prevents me from discussing the details of this specific case. However, as promised, I will follow up on this.
