Palestinian Families Sue Canada Over Gaza Visa Delays

Palestinian families are suing the Canadian government over delays in a special visa program aimed at providing temporary protection for those fleeing the war in Gaza. The lawsuit, filed in Federal Court on behalf of 53 Palestinians, highlights significant inefficiencies in the application process, with many applicants left in precarious situations amidst ongoing violence. Despite the program's launch on January 9, 2024, none of the plaintiffs have received the unique reference codes necessary to submit their visa applications, which has caused considerable distress for their Canadian relatives. The families argue that the lack of transparency and communication from Canadian immigration officials amounts to 'emotional torture.' The program is set to close once 5,000 applications are in processing or by April 22, raising urgent concerns about the fate of families still awaiting codes. The Canadian government has 30 days to respond to the lawsuit, as families fear time is running out during this humanitarian crisis.