International Law

Randy Quaid and the Star Whackers

By Raj Sharma

Randy Quaid and his wife are claiming refugee protection against their country of origin/nationality: the United States of America. The claim appears to be manifestly unfounded.

The erratic Quaid, a Hollywood actor, is claiming persecution from "star whackers", pointing to the untimely deaths of Heath Ledger and David Carradine. His wife states that Hollywood is killing its stars for ad sales (as an aside, it's questionable whether Quaid still ranks among the glitterati to merit 'star' status). 

Such a claim profile underscores the fact that our immigration/refugee system is susceptible to abuse, and at the same time, is a slap in the face to genuine refugee claimants that actually need this country's protection. 

Under our current law, Quaid is entitled make a refugee claim in Canada. Fine. But he's not entitled to stay here any longer than absolutely necessary for the immigration authorities need to adjudicate his ridiculous claim for protection. 

Full post as published by Canadian Immigration Blawg on October 24, 2010 (boomark / email).