Mother dying of cancer fights for husband's immigration

A dying mother with devastating cancer is desperate to live out the final weeks of her life not knowing what will happen to her two young children as her husband waits three years for permanent residency.

“I'm using my last strength to stay alive until I get a visa, because if I die, everything will fall apart and my husband will have to start over,” says Ibtisem Koulali, a 35-year-old mother who was diagnosed. A year ago, the cancer spread to his stomach, liver, lungs and esophagus.

Originally from Algeria and a Canadian citizen since 2017, she survived breast cancer in 2016. For months, she had to take care of her two boys, aged one and two, alone, in addition to undergoing intensive treatment.

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He was finally admitted to the end-of-life care facility last Monday.

Photo courtesy of Ibtisem Koulali

“Unfortunately, he didn't have anything for a long time,” explains a caregiver who asked to remain anonymous.

Double fight

In addition to fighting disease, M^me Koulali is desperately trying to bring her husband Naseem Derroich, who has been waiting for permanent residency since 2021. Several doctors have written letters in support of his humanitarian appeal.

Last October, Newspaper She said she submitted five tourist visa applications so her husband could at least see her and support her and their children. All applications were rejected by Immigration Canada, which Mr. Deruich indicates that the requirements are not met.

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Photo courtesy of Ibitsem Koulali

Following the article, Mr. The government finally made an about-face by agreeing to grant Derruich a temporary visa.

Fear of his children

“Since then, nothing has happened. I don't know what will happen to my children when I die,” worries the mother, while her husband has to leave the country in six months due to a visitor visa.

According to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, the processing time for a family repatriation file has been extended to over 30 months.

Faced with the situation, M^me Kaulali had asked in her will that her younger child should live with a friend of hers and the elder child with her sister, who is studying here.

“But I want to know that they stay with their father rather than being separated from relatives,” she said wearily over the phone.