How to help a single mother (without a visa) in Toronto?

Question

I asked this question earlier but since mid-day is not exactly prime time on YA I'll try again.

I know a Mexican woman who came here alone with her son and has claimed refugee status but will not have a hearing until September. I know she is already receiving welfare but I was wondering if there are agencies or if there is any other kind of help out there for women in this situation. She does not speak English.

I would like to find her proper housing and to see if there's any way to help speed up the application process. Any ideas??

Answer 1

get her married

Answer 2

I dont know... but it is nice of you want to help that woman. U have a good heart indeed

Answer 3

Razor Jim, how well versed are you in these immigration laws??

I heard her story and to me it sounds pretty severe- i.e. her life is in great danger if she returns home. Do you have to be from a war zone in order to receive refugee status? What if you are under other kinds of threat?

Can we do anything (other than getting her married)??

===========================

Most of the investigations that are made determine the 'threat' is not real.  Until the investigation IS made, her position cannot be established, and if she were in the United States, I would make sure she was deported.

The best place in the world to seek sanctuary is ... in the community, or near the community, they live in.  Further, the best place in the world for her to go is to another community with common language and culture.  She cannot accept welfare all the rest of her life.. she has to have a job.  She will get one in a like culture.

I do NOT want anyone giving my tax dollars to anyone who comes north to seek refugee status.  I would be willing to help almost anyone who goes south to seek refugee status.  Further, the Brazilian Economy is vibrant and excellent.. and it is a very good place to work!!

Answer 4

She can't win a case for refugee status because Mexico isn't a war zone or any of the other check points that you need for a refugee designation.

What she needs to do is visit the nearest Mexican embassy and obtain the funds to return home.

Answer 5

Sorry to break it to you but Razor Jim is correct no matter what your personal opinion is. Mexico is not considered as a nation in a war zone. At best your friend is a financial "refugee".

Answer 6

2hearts,

Unfortunately, I'm not well-versed in Canadian immigration law.  If she prays the rosary well and attentively every day, Mary will grant her protection, (preferably 15 decades rather than 5, and she should make sure she's in a state of grace).  Also, promise #12 is an important one to remember:

The fifteen promises of Mary to Christians who recite the rosary:

1. Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary shall receive signal graces.

2. I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary.

3. The Rosary shall be a powerful armor against h**l, it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies.

4. It will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities and will lift them to the desire of eternal things. Oh, that souls would sanctify themselves by this means.

5. The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the Rosary, shall not perish.

6. Whoever shall recite the Rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its sacred mysteries, shall never be conquered by misfortune. God will not chastise him in His justice, he shall not perish by an unprovided death; if he be just, he shall remain in the grace of God and become worthy of eternal life.

7. Whoever shall have a true devotion for the Rosary shall not die without the Sacraments of the Church.

8. Those who are faithful to recite the Rosary shall have during their life and at their death the light of God and the plenitude of His graces; at the moment of death, they shall participate in the merits of the saints in Paradise.

9. I shall deliver from Purgatory those who have been devoted to the Rosary.

10. The faithful children of the Rosary shall merit high degree of glory in Heaven.

11. You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the Rosary.

12*. All those who propagate the Holy Rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities.

13. I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the Rosary shall have for intercessors the entire Celestial Court during their life and at the hour of death.

14. All who recite the Rosary are my sons, and brothers of my only Son, Jesus Christ.

15. Devotion to my Rosary is a great sign of predestination.

Further, I'd recommend that she spends time at Eucharistic Adoration, if possible, and that she offers prayers for the souls in purgatory, as they, in their gratitude, will pray fervently for her if she asks them.

God bless!

Rob