Two U.S. army deserters have lost their court fight to stay in Canada, but supporters say the political battle will continue. The Supreme Court refused today to hear appeals from Jeremy Hinzman and Brandon Hughey, who sought refugee status on the grounds of their opposition to the war in Iraq.
As is usual in such decisions, the high court gave no reasons for its ruling.
Disappointed supporters say the pair’s only hope of staying in Canada lies in the political arena. Otherwise, they say, the Immigration Department will likely start the deportation process to send them back to the United States and the military justice system.
“I think the focus now turns to a political solution to this problem,” said Jeffry House, lawyer for the men. Jane Orion Smith of the Quaker group Canadian Friends Service Committee said the next step is for Parliament “to create a provision for them to stay.” “We will be working with our community and others to encourage MPs to help create such a provision. . . There simply needs to be political will.” Smith said exceptions have been made in the past for Vietnam-era draft dodgers and for the Vietnamese boat people.
New Democrat MP Olivia Chow said she will introduce a motion urging the Conservative government to step in: “The minister must intervene and allow the war resisters to stay in Canada.” Immigration Minister Diane Finley’s office had no immediate comment.
Oy. War resisters my butt. The term is “deserter”. And whatever is Chow thinking? It is not as if there is a current shortage of freeloaders, welchers or cheaters in this country; so I hardly think we need to import a few more from America to fluff up the ranks of the retrobates. Cut them loose – Now.
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