No one is Illegal (NOII) is a movement composed of immigrants, refugees and allies that advocates for the rights of migrants around the world.

They organize around the notion that granting citizenship to some who are privileged and denying it to others exploits migrants and perpetuates oppression. They host workshops, rallies and campaigns related to international and local immigration issues.

 

History

The group began in 1997 as “No Person is Illegal” in Germany and gained attention in 1999, after the death of Aamir Ageeb. Police attempted to deport Ageeb to Sudan at a German airport, restraining him with ropes, bands and a helmet. He suffocated shortly after the plane left the tarmac.

 

Canadian Connection

NOII spread to Canada in the early 2000s. They now focus on indigenous sovereignty, poverty and racism. Chapters are based in Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto and Halifax.
Undocumented Canadians are difficult to track and the estimates range from 35,000 people to 100,000. Many undocumented migrants live in shame for not having citizenship. Recently, acclaimed American journalist Jose Antonio Vargas has come out as an undocumented migrant.