Support the Kim Family's Permanent Residency in Canada

Citizenship and Immigration Canada has rejected the Kim family’s application for permanent residency, and stated that the family must leave Canada because Taehoon (the youngest son)'s autism represents a potential burden on social and health care. We believe this decision is groundless, since Taehoon’s condition does not require any medical care from the government.

If the family were sent back to South Korea, Taehoon may face intolerance and discrimination on account of his disability. He will have difficulty adjusting to the Korean society and school system, because he grew up in Canada since he was 3 years old. Prejudices against people with disabilities will likely mean greater limitations and fewer opportunities for Taehoon in South Korea.

The Kim family has been living in Hamilton, Canada, since 2003. Mr. Sungsoo Kim is an IT Help Desk Administrator at Pattison Outdoors, Canada’s largest outdoor advertising company. Together with his wife, Sunmi Kim, he is an active member of his community, having been serving as a committee member, a youth leader, and a Sunday school principal at St. Peter Yu Roman Catholic Church in Hamilton.

Mr. and Mrs. Kim have a daughter named Bookyung (Lisa) - a high-achiever in Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School, and a 12-year-old son named Taehoon who has been diagnosed with autism. He is currently attending St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Elementary School, and has made tremendous progress since coming to Canada, adjusting very well to his new home and enjoying his school life.

Hamilton Spectator: http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/687412--canada-doesn-t-want-this-autistic-boy

Canadian Korean Times: http://www.cktimes.net/board_read.asp?boardCode=board_immigration_visa&boardNumber=459