War resister wins another shot at permanent residence: Federal Court of Appeal rules in favour of Jeremy Hinzman
By Wendy Gillis, Toronto Star, July 6, 2010
The first U.S. Iraq war resister to seek refuge in Canada has won another shot at permanent residence.
The Federal Court of Appeal ruled unanimously Tuesday that a Canadian immigration official failed to consider the hardships of high-profile American deserter Jeremy Hinzman when she denied him permanent residence in Canada.
The court said the official’s June 2009 rejection of Hinzman’s permanent residence application was “significantly flawed” because the officer did not take into consideration Hinzman’s “strong moral and religious beliefs” against participation in war.
That means officials must another look at Hinzman’s application to remain in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.