Alvaro Orozco has been released from the immigration holding centre!!
Earful of Queer follows up with Craig Fortier from No One is Illegal-Toronto, on Alvaro’s release and the approval of his Humanitarian and Compassion application. He has now been granted permanent residency and has been returned to his community!
We also chat about the politicization of Queer communities in this campaign and continuing the momentum to stop the state from taking members of our community away from us.
Earful of Queer talks to Craig Fortier of No One is Illegal about Alvaro Orozco. Alvaro was picked up following a targeted ID check on Friday May 13th and is currently being held at the Rexdale Immigration Holding Centre where he faces imminent deportation.
Alvaro is a Queer Artist who fled from Nicaragua at a young age to escape homophobic violence. He has since become an active member of Toronto’s Queer and Arts communities. In 2007 his refugee claim was denied because he didn’t look gay enough according to the adjudicator.
In this interview we discuss Alvaro’s case, the conditions of the detention centre, the community response and how folks can get involved and support Alvaro.
Alvaro was recently notified that he would be deported this Thursday June 2nd. He has requested a deferral and his lawyer will be going to the Federal Court of Appeal to argue for a stay on his deportation until his Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) application is decided upon.
Update: With many thanks to the incredible organizing and rallying of various communities, Alvaro’s Humanitarian and Compassionate application has been approved and he is set to be released from the immigration holding centre today (June 1st).
