In Montreal, a 22-year-old father named Miguel faces imminent deportation, raising concerns about the impact on his young family. As the sole provider, Miguel supports his partner Andrea and their seven-month-old baby. Andrea, 23, fled domestic violence in Mexico, and her relationship with Miguel has provided the stability she desperately needs.
Family’s Struggle Against Deportation
Currently, Miguel is engulfed in a legal battle with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which is pushing for his deportation. Advocates highlight that such cases of family separation are becoming increasingly common due to the government’s stricter immigration policies.
Andrea describes Miguel as a vital source of support. “I know no one will take care of my son better than his father,” she stated. She is his constant advocate, caring for their baby who has ongoing heart problems. Furthermore, they face threats from cartel members in Mexico, which complicates their situation and emphasizes their need for safety and stability.
Changing Immigration Policies
Recent Canadian immigration reforms aim to increase deportations. The government has set a target of removing 20,000 individuals per year between 2025 and 2027. Reports indicated that deportations nearly doubled, with more than 23,000 individuals removed in 2025 alone. Measures include legislation that nullifies thousands of asylum claims.
- Deportation Target: 20,000 people per fiscal year (2025-2027)
- 2025 Deportations: Over 23,000
- 2020-2024 Deportations: Between 7,500 and 17,000 per year
Legal Challenges and Community Support
The Welcome Collective, a Montreal organization, is advocating for Miguel and other families facing similar threats. Their efforts include pushing for pre-removal risk assessments, which analyze the potential dangers an individual may face upon returning to their home country. However, Miguel’s deportation date of May 5 is unsettling, as it occurs just 10 days prior to when he could apply for this assessment.
Anne-Cécile Khouri Raphaël, immigration lawyer and vice president of the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, expressed concern about the normalization of family separations in Quebec’s immigration system. Families often await legal decisions, yet border agents frequently overlook the best interests of children and family unit considerations.
The Personal Toll of Deportation
Miguel’s case underscores a troubling trend in how the CBSA handles deportations. In April, he was ordered to report to CBSA, where he was told to either buy his own plane ticket or face a debt of $4,000. He expressed his distress over the rushed process and its potential ramifications for his family. “What surprised me most was being separated from my family,” he shared, noting his role as the primary financial supporter.
Legal representation remains a significant challenge for many affected families. The shortage of immigration lawyers in Quebec means that individuals often struggle to receive timely assistance for appeal processes. Advocates are calling on federal ministers to revise policies to prevent unnecessary family separations.
A Call for Change
The increasing rate of deportations, particularly in Quebec, warrants urgent attention. Recent reports show that deportations in Quebec have surpassed 10,000 in 2025, constituting a substantial portion of national removals. Advocates stress the need for a more compassionate approach that prioritizes family unity and the welfare of children.
The case of Miguel, Andrea, and their baby highlights the broader issues surrounding immigration enforcement in Canada. As their story unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of rigid immigration policies.
