International Law

Former Live in Caregiver Murdered

By immlawyer

The life of an immigrant is never easy.

A newcomer to Canada leaves behind his or her family, friends, home and familiar environs in hopes of a brighter future in this country. There are many success stories - especially tragic are instances where the dream ends.

Arcelie Laoagan's life ended violently after working a late shift in downtown Calgary. A mother of five from the Philippines, Arcelie originally came to Canada as a live in caregiver and wanted to sponsor her five children and husband to come live with her here.

Globe and Mail article here.

A church leader spoke of Arcelie to the Calgary Herald:

"She sacrificially lived for her family, to make a way for them to have a better life in Canada," Zoeteman said on Saturday of the woman with the magnetic personality. "Her nature was always to have two jobs. It was her intent to pay the way for her entire family to come here as well."

Laoagan's employer - West Canadian - has set up a trust fund for Laoagan's family and has contributed $10,000.

It appears that Laoagan had initiated the process of sponsoring her family to Canada. With the death of the sponsor, those applications are now in jeopardy.

Full post as published by Canadian Immigration Blawg on January 22, 2008 (boomark / email).