NEED YOUR INPUT ON LIFE AND DEATH SITUATION FOR A FRIEND (TRV)

[MARLENA]

Dear Forum

I'm writing this on behalf of my friend who is in a hospital who is Canadian Citizen but married about 1 year ago to a someone who lives in Lebanon but who presently works on a contract somewhere in Africa. (Not sure the location)
She first met him on the internet through one of her friend and visited him 3 times before getting married in Lebanon July 2008. He never came to Canada as a visitor and never applied for one until few months ago.
She got pregnant and decided to come back to Canada since she was diabetic and it was the best for the interest of the baby in case of any problem occur during her pregnancy.
Last week she delivered through C-Section but apparently the baby born with a major heart defect which it couldn't be detected during her pregnancy with  the ultrasound.
Her husband applied for a visitor visa 2 months ago because he wanted to be with his wife during the delivery especially after knowing it's going to be a C-Section and 3 weeks premature baby but didn't know at the time the problem with the heart
He applied for TRV somewhere in Africa. Her doctor sent a note asking Canadian Embassy to grant the husband visa for urgent situation to take care of his wife and the baby but apparently they didn't give a dam and couldn't provide him with an answer. Last Friday the hospital sent a register urgent letter telling the embassy the baby in critical condition and his chances with a success rate surgery is very slim and the father should be there for the baby. They visa office abroad finally called the father requesting him to come to the embassy and when he arrived the passport already stamped  with a visa denied without providing any explanation on why they didn't make an exception. Right now their life is upside down. I want to visit her yesterday and the baby is in the intensive care unit at the hospital with a very critical condition. He almost died last night but still hanging with a lot of difficulty.
My question since he was refused for a visit. Can she do anything at all??? I told her to tell her husband to return to origin country in Lebanon and applied again over there perhaps the process is different.
I'm praying so much for her baby and when I saw him yesterday couldn't help myself other than crying . He is such adorable kids who is fighting for his life and a first major surgery already scheduled for early next week . I wish The VO come to their senses and have a heart for those type of situation.
BTW she already sponsored her husband outland and waiting for the result.
Your input is highly appreciated!!!!

[rjessome]

Go to the media, contact the MP, and write to the Minister.  MAKE A BIG STINK!  That's the best you can do.  I wish her and the baby well.

[rorita_76]

Marlena, I was thinking, since she has already a sponsorship application in process, it is little hard for him to get a visitor visa, they may say he will stay in canada. Can't he send them any document or proof, that he will return to his country later on and wait for the immigration desicion?
and if that don't work, I don't know, but I am with rjessome , let her go to the media, the MP, someone else that has an influence on the immigration ( that if there is something like this) here in canada there is a huge amount of freedom, and there is a very ill baby , there must be something to be done.
My prayer is with her and her husband

[Boncuk]

I wrote in your inbox Marlena

[Al.Abed]

I am very sorry to hear that... Its so hard to immagine how cold hearted the person who makes the decision is when he/she is faced with this situation and still says no....
what if he made a case saying he WILL be back within a month (for example). Like get a limited visa thats only valid for 1 month and is not renewable (if there is such a thing?)

[MARLENA]

Updates on the situation.
I got more information. The refusal letter was received and the reasons they don't believe he will be leaving the country after his visa is expired even knowing  sponsorship application in process since almost 9 months and waiting on a decision. Every letter from hospital and doctor was provided to the embassy but it's no help whatsoever since they are still not changing their mind on the denial decison.
I went to the hospital yesterday and the situation is not any better. It's heartbreaking to see the baby still in a very critical condition. He is going to have 2 major surgeries one now and one in 6 months if he make it. Yesterday his blood circulation was very bad and the hospital told the mother he  wouldn't not make it. I can't describe the feeling but they already took action and contacted the MP and see if he can help. If not their last option is the media. Now it's everything in the air.
The family is so disoriented right now and any help or suggestion they are grateful for it.

On behalf of my friend  and her family she thank you all for the great support and the help that you are providing her with.

[SadGirl:(]

Marlena, my prayers are with your friend and her baby and her husband.  This is ridiculous, the father needs to be here with his wife and child.  This is not humanitarian to not allow a father to see his sick child.  I just can't beleive how cold-hearted some people can be.  My suggestion would be to go to the media and make it public and also contact your MP.