Photo Credit: Jared Ong
Canada rejected double the number of humanitarian applications for immigration in 2020
Despite the fact that the Canadian government has drastically failed to meet its own immigration targets for 2020, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada has been actively refusing to give permanent residence to people who are already in Canada. These people are our friends, neighbours, classmates, coworkers, and members of our communities who are being told that they cannot stay in Canada even though they have made their home here.
Humanitarian and Compassionate statistics from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | Jan – Mar 2021 | |
| Accepted | 4,325 | 4115 | 4,340 | 5,075 | 3,735 | 1,265 |
| Rejected | 2495 | 2,845 | 2,405 | 2,760 | 5,000 | 2,915 |
| Applied | 8,045 | 7,390 | 9,135 | 10,600 | 11,105 | 8,970 |
Status for All
Legal Fund for Undocumented Migrants
“I am a mom of three, two of which are Canadian born. My family and I have lived here for 6 years. My family’s H&C was denied recently and it is impacting us mentally and physically. My husband has been working the same job for many years and is very loved. I am also a student in university and my children have developed a bond with their community. Having to leave would be devastating for my entire family.” – S
We work in a spirit of solidarity, and our goal is not just provide food but also to build long-lasting relationships and a sense of community power.
Food Knows No Borders
What made Food Knows No Borders so unique?
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted undocumented communities disproportionately. In response, Vivimos Juntxs, Comemos Juntxs (VJCJ) teamed up with the Toronto Queer Film Festival (TQFF) to start a grassroots campaign to get food to 50 families by the end of August 2020. We called this project Food Knows No Borders.
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Who We Are
Vivimos Juntxs, Comemos Juntxs (VJCJ) is a migrant-led group of former and current undocumented people, as well as allies, who are fighting for a city where we have power over the resources and services we need to live a dignified life.
“I don’t believe in charity. I believe in solidarity. Charity is so vertical. It goes from the top to the bottom. Solidarity is horizontal. It respects the other person. I have a lot to learn from other people.” — Food Knows No Borders Recipient