CUPE is encouraging members to show their support for José Figueroa, a father of three Canadian-born children and thirteen year resident of B.C., who is facing deportation by the Canadian government.
Figueroa was deemed inadmissible by the Immigration and Refugee board based on recommendations from the Ministry of Public Safety, which mistakenly recognize the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) as a terrorist organization.
Twenty years ago, as a student, Figueroa joined the organization—which has since become the democratically elected governing party of El Salvador—to protest the brutal, undemocratic, military dictatorship of El Salvador. The government of the time used death squads to silence opposition.
Organizers of WE ARE JOSE, a campaign to support Figueroa, are calling on the Minister of Public Safety Vic Toews to “respond to the demand to grant José an exemption by January 16 declaring him no threat to national security, in honour of [the anniversary of] the Salvadorean Peace Agreement.”
Events to show support for Figueroa have been scheduled nation-wide on the date as well. Check out wearejose.com for event details in your area.