Judge Upholds Residency Denial Over Girl’s Cerebral Palsy

Judge Upholds Residency Denial Over Girl’s Cerebral Palsy


A French family will likely be forced to leave their home in Canada after a federal court there ruled that immigration officials were correct to deny permanent residency to their daughter who has cerebral palsy.

David Barlagne and his family moved to Canada in 2005 so that he could start a computer software business. Barlagne says he spoke with Canadian officials prior to making the move regarding his daughter’s diagnosis of cerebral palsy, but was encouraged to come on a temporary work permit and apply for permanent residency once the family was settled.

But when the family applied for permanent residency, Barlagne’s daughter Rachel was determined to be “medically inadmissible” due to her diagnosis.

The family brought the matter to court, arguing that they’ve established a successful business and are able to cover any extra costs that the girl’s disability might incur. Nonetheless, a judge ruled Tuesday that immigration officials were correct to deny Rachel residency since she could impose extra costs on the country’s medical system.

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/05/19/canada-cp-judge/8118/