As recently reported by CBC News, Famous rapper Mutulu Olugbala (AKA M1), who makes up half of rap duo Dead Prez, was recently denied entry to Canada when he arrived at Montreal airport.
Although it’s not exactly clear why M1 was turned away by Canada Border Services Agency, the rapper has attributed the incident to “racial profiling”. M1 was travelling to La Grande Bibliothèque in downtown Montreal to appear at the opening event for Black History Month – run by the FRO Festival – on January 31.
M1 Denied Entry to Canada, Blames “Inconsistent Policies”
After he was denied entry to Canada, the rapper used his smartphone to record a video at Montreal airport. In it, he said: “I’m here today to report to you that I have been denied entry to Canada because of their miscellaneous policies which I can sometimes attribute to racial profiling.” Unsurprisingly, the rapper also claimed to be “livid” at the “inconsistent policies” of CBSA.
BerekYah Yergeau, co-founder of FRO Foundation, stated that she did not know the exact circumstances in which M1 was denied entry to Canada. She said it was possible that M1 may have had an infraction on his criminal record, although this would seem unlikely seeing as the rapper had successfully entered Canada several times since then.
Yergeau also explained that she had not made arrangement’s to obtain a work visa for M1, due to him donating his time freely to the FRO Foundation.
Luckily, M1 was still able to participate in the event via Skype, while CBSA said it was unable to comment on the details of his entry refusal at Montreal airport due to concerns over privacy.
Despite this, spokeswoman Jacqueline Roby issued a the statement below:
“Admissibility of all travellers is decided on a case-by-case basis and based on the information made available at the time of entry. Several factors are used in determining admissibility into Canada, including involvement in criminal activity, human rights violations, involvement in organized crime, security, health or financial reasons.”
“The assessment of travellers is solely based on the legislation. Every year we welcome millions of travellers from every race and religion and from all parts of the world.”
It’s clear we don’t know the full story when it comes to rapper M1’s denial, but what we can take away from this is how important it is to follow Canada’s strict guidelines, as even celebrities travelling for good causes can be denied entry.
Have you Been Denied Entry to Canada?
Have you tried to enter Canada and were refused? Or do you think you may be refused if you try to enter Canada? Whether you have a criminal record like a DUI or something even more serious, you may still be admitted into Canada as long as you have the ‘right’ paperwork in order. At Visaplace, we have literally helped thousands of people enter Canada stress free. We can help you too. All you have to do is fill our free immigration online assessment form and we will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your Canadian immigration options.
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.
