A French immigrant family threatened with federal deportation launches a crowdfunding campaign so they can support themselves while trying other steps to gain new status.
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Immigration Canada has refused to extend Aurélie Martin and Flavien Di Virgilio’s work permits.
The couple and their three children, who have lived in Quebec for two years, have 90 days to try to resolve their situation, otherwise they will have to leave Quebec soil.
But the processing times make the task unlikely, especially since they no longer have a work permit and are therefore without an income.
But the family hasn’t given up on their dream of living in Quebec. Aurélie Martin and her husband intend to continue their campaign to obtain another work permit.
“We want so much to stay in your country which is very dear to us and a way of life that suits us. We made the decision to hold out for another two months, the time to process the immigration application,” they state on the Gofundme website.
However, their stubbornness comes at a price, as they are now without a salary. “We no longer have an income and need help because it won’t be easy with three children. With his money we will fill our fridge and pay the most important bills (Hydro-Québec, home insurance…). Once our situation is restored, the excess of their funds will go to an association to help on our part.”
The couple will also have to foot the cost of plane tickets for the five family members in anticipation of a possible return to France should their efforts ever prove futile.