Dave Schwartz
05-11-2009, 02:14 PM
http://www.argus-press.com/articles/2009/05/09/news/news1.txt
Local woman files discrimination complaint after being turned away at the Canadian border
OWOSSO - An Owosso woman says she was recently denied permission to cross the Canadian border because she is on welfare.
Rose Kelley, 25, said she was trying to visit friends and family who live in Canada, but ran into many complications on the way.
She arrived at the Sarnia, Ontario, border May 1 with her children Xander, 5, and Onyx, 1. When she reached the customs and immigration office she was given a list of items she needed to cross the border - some of which included: evidence of citizenship, financial support, financial assistance, confirmed means of departure, and more.
Before leaving home on May 1, Kelley said, she contacted the Canada Border Services Agency, and was told she only needed to bring identification and papers proving she had full custody of her children.
Because of this, she had to travel back to Owosso to get the necessary papers and then return May 3.
“I brought everything. My entire folder had every piece of paperwork that they could ask for,” Kelley said.
However, she was once again denied entry.
“They said I don't make enough money and people on welfare shouldn't take a vacation,” said Kelley, a single mother who has been on assistance for five years. “I was told that I wouldn't be allowed to cross the border until my life ‘drastically changed.'”
More at the link.
Local woman files discrimination complaint after being turned away at the Canadian border
OWOSSO - An Owosso woman says she was recently denied permission to cross the Canadian border because she is on welfare.
Rose Kelley, 25, said she was trying to visit friends and family who live in Canada, but ran into many complications on the way.
She arrived at the Sarnia, Ontario, border May 1 with her children Xander, 5, and Onyx, 1. When she reached the customs and immigration office she was given a list of items she needed to cross the border - some of which included: evidence of citizenship, financial support, financial assistance, confirmed means of departure, and more.
Before leaving home on May 1, Kelley said, she contacted the Canada Border Services Agency, and was told she only needed to bring identification and papers proving she had full custody of her children.
Because of this, she had to travel back to Owosso to get the necessary papers and then return May 3.
“I brought everything. My entire folder had every piece of paperwork that they could ask for,” Kelley said.
However, she was once again denied entry.
“They said I don't make enough money and people on welfare shouldn't take a vacation,” said Kelley, a single mother who has been on assistance for five years. “I was told that I wouldn't be allowed to cross the border until my life ‘drastically changed.'”
More at the link.