We, the undersigned, are writing this letter to express our grave concern and outrage over the deportation notice issued to Mr. Kavoos Soofi for February 05, 2012. Kavoos is in the process of applying for a Humanitarian and Compassionate application, but deportation, to Iran makes us deeply worried about his future and the potential loss to our community. Mr. Kavoos Soofi, came to Canada in March 2004 in pursuit of a dignified and just life, one where his worth as a member of the society is respected. He is a self-employed professional painter with his own government registered business and pays taxes. Kavoos’ entire immediate family live outside of Iran as citizens of either Canada or the U.S. Kavoos has also been actively involved in social activities, communities and charities. Kavoos has completely rebuilt his life within Canadian society and has become a deeply loved member of our community. On January 11th 2012, Kavoos Soofi appeared before the Immigration Office to receive their decision with respect to his refugee application for protection under Immigration and Refugee Protection Aid. The official's initial bail request was changed later that day to 'detention until deportation'. He was arrested and since then has been held in custody. Since Canada is committed to ensuring that people being removed from Canada are not sent to a country where they would be in danger or at risk of persecution, we, the community, request that Kavoos' case be reassessed. Moreover, Kavoos has been actively and publicly vocal, taking part in Iranian pro-democracy and human rights demonstrations. As family, friends, and fellow human beings, we are well aware of the imminent dangers awaiting Kavoos in case of his deportation to Iran, in addition to the challenges of returning to a country in which he no longer has the support network of his immediate family. We are willing to offer our full support and do whatever it may take to make the Government of Canada aware of this grave mistake. For his part, Kavoos will be on hunger strike as of Tuesday, January 24, 2012. We will be with him in every step of his fight for attaining his rights based on humanitarian grounds. We are requesting that he be given enough time to present his case one more time to the authorities and if all else fails, that he be allowed to prepare for his departure in a more human and dignified manner. We urge the Minister to use discretion, immediately release Kavoos, stay his deportation, and grant him temporary resident status.

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