Juana Tejada arrived in Canada in 2003 to work under the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP), a program that would allow them to apply later for permanent residence from within Canada. After completing the required two years to be eligible for permanent residence, Juana submitted her application where she was found to be eligible. She was then required to undergo an immigration medical examination to complete the immigration process, where it was discovered that she had terminal cancer.

Because she did not pass her medical examination, her provincial health coverage was abruptly cut off. To make matters worse, her application for permanent residence was refused as she was found to be medically inadmissible. She was also told to leave Canada immediately. Juana chose to fight, believing she did not deserve this gross injustice.

A grassroots campaign was launched calling for justice and permanent residence for Juana. In less than two months, the immigration department reversed its decision and granted Juana’s dying wish of permanent residence.” [R. Fabregas, Juana’s lawyer]

Shot and edited by alex felipe ([email protected])