Let Alvaro Stay! Queer artist Alvaro Orozco is facing imminent deportation

An interview with No One is Illegal - part one

by Earful of Queer

Earful of Queer talks to Craig Fortier of No One is Illegal about Alvaro Orozco.  Alvaro was picked up following a targeted ID check on Friday May 13th and is currently being held at the Rexdale Immigration Holding Centre where he faces imminent deportation.

Alvaro is a  Queer Artist who fled from Nicaragua at a young age to escape homophobic violence.  He has since become an active member of Toronto’s Queer and Arts communities.  In 2007 his refugee claim was denied because he didn’t look gay enough according to the adjudicator.

In this interview we discuss Alvaro’s case, the conditions of the detention centre, the commuity response and how folks can get involved and support Alvaro.

 Alvaro was recently notified that he would be deported this Thursday June 2nd.  He has requested a deferral and his lawyer will be going to the Federal Court of Appeal to argue for a stay on his deportation until his Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) application is decided upon.

There is a rally in Toronto tomorrow (May 31st) at 11am at the 519 Community Centre, Church and Wellesly.

Add yourself to the emergency action network phone tree by emailing your number to nathan.prier@gmail.com 

Check Out Earful of Queer's other interviews:  earfulofqueer.wordpress.com