Immigration officials deported Wolfville businessman and local soccer builder Juan Ramirez to his native Colombia in October. He’s trying to get paperwork together now for another immigration refugee application, but the process could take a year.
Meanwhile, his wife and business partner, Dara, and their three children – ages six, four and 18 months – are left without him. Dara continues to operate their Wolfville business, Juandaros Soccer Boutique, and keep things going for the kids. She’s spearheading letterwriting and bracelet campaigns to show support for her husband’s application.
Hundreds of letters of support from the community could make the application stronger, she says, and a desired outcome more timely; or, if the application is unsuccessful, help with an appeal on humanitarian grounds.
The blue and white bracelets read, “Reunite a Family” and sport the Canadian and Colombian flags. Dara said if 1,000 people are wearing the bracelets, it’ll send a powerful message to officials.
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Juan’s legal counsel, Lee Cohen, says a successful letter campaign would show immigration officials and politicians that Juan enjoys widespread support in the community from a variety of citizens.
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