Asylum – appeal – political opinion/activism – Mexico – 2019

In this asylum (refugee) claim, the claimant explained that he was involved with an opposition political party in Mexico, and that he and his associates uncovered wrongdoings which implicated powerful individuals who kidnapped and abused the claimant, and ultimately threatened to kill him. He fled to Canada with his family. 

The Member of the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) hearing acted in a profoundly unfair manner, baselessly doubting his and his family’s personal identities despite having certified copies of their original passports. She further refused the opportunity to submit additional identity documents that the claimants had in their possession but did not disclose in light of their original passports being on file. She refused the claim without ever assessing their risk upon return to Mexico. 

Anchor Law assisted the claimants in appealing this unfair decision to the Refugee Appeal Division. The appeal decision maker agreed that the claimants were treated unfairly and unreasonably, and sent the claim back for redetermination by a different member of the (RPD). At their rehearing, the claimants were granted protection and allowed to stay in Canada.