As recently reported by CBC News, actor Randy Quaid was released from custody after his recent arrest in Montreal.
The Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board ordered that the actor be released after being held in a detention centre in Laval, Que. A warrant had been issued for Quaid’s arrest back in January 2013 after missing an IRB interview.
With his long, grey hair and significant beard growth, Quaid was described as “barely recognizable” by local press when he appeared in Montreal before the immigration board.
What Led Quaid up to This Point?
Along with his wife Evi, Quaid applied for refugee status back in 2010 under the claim that they were both being persecuted in the United States and were afraid of falling prey to the so-called “Hollywood star-whackers” who supposedly kill off famous actors. Quaid and his wife suspected they were prime targets, which is why they fled the US.
Why Canada
So, you may be asking, why Canada? Well, Evi Quaid’s father was actually born in the country, and in 2012 she was granted Canadian citizenship – on those grounds, she technically could have sponsored Randy’s application for Canadian Immigration.
Quaid actually withdrew his refugee claim and applied to become a permanent resident of Canada. However, in 2013, his application was denied due to the fact that he had been accused of fraudulent activity in California. This is an act that would violate the Criminal Code in Canada.
Unknown Whereabouts
Up until a couple of weeks ago, the Canadian government had not known the whereabouts of Quaid. However, in light of recent news, it seems he and his wife had been living in Montreal since February 2013.
During the recent hearing, Quaid testified about the reasons for missing his scheduled interview with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) back in January 2013.
He claimed he had been “devastated” after his permanent residency application had been rejected, and so made the decision to relocate to Montreal.
Quaid stated his decision to move had been brought on by a loss of faith, rather than disrespect for the Canadian Immigration system.
In his own words: “I’d lost faith in the system. I wanted to get into a space where I could have time to investigate. I needed to gather evidence about what happened in Santa Barbara.”
He continued: “I meant no disrespect to Canadian border services. I have great respect for them, but I didn’t feel that anyone else was willing to listen to me.”
Ready to Co-Operate
Despite now being ready to co-operate with authorities, CBS News has reported that Quaid – best known for his roles in ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Brokeback Mountain’ – remains under a Canadian removal order.
Are You in a Similar Predicament? An Immigration Lawyer Can Help
If you are a refugee in a similar predicament, you may be able to remain in the country under the Humanitarian and Compassionate Application. This process is very complicated and certainly not guaranteed, but may provide you with a firm chance of approval.
To get started, simply fill our free online immigration assessment form here or contact us here.
President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
