The Maengs are a South Korean family who have been living for the past eight and a half years in Moncton, New Brunswick. As CBC News reports, Tae-Shik Maeng and Hee-Eun Jang moved to Canada in search of better treatment for their son, Sung-Joo Maeng. Now 15 years old, Sung-Joo was diagnosed with autism and epilepsy at the age of 5.
But last week the Department of Citizenship and Immigration told them they must leave by the end of the month, because Sung-Joo's care is "too expensive." Moving back to South Korea -- especially by being forcibly deported -- would seriously, and adversely, affect Sung-Joo and could potentially erase all the progress he has made
We the undersigned ask that you grant a federal ministerial order of exception to the Maeng family of Moncton, New Brunswick. Eight and a half years ago, Tae-Shik Maeng and Hee-Eun Jang moved to Canada in search of better treatment for their son, Sung-Joo Maeng. Now 15 years old, Sung-Joo was diagnosed with autism and epilepsy at the age of 5.
But last week the Department of Citizenship and Immigration told them they must leave by the end of the month, because Sung-Joo's care is "too expensive." Moving back to South Korea -- especially by being forcibly deported -- would seriously, and adversely, affect Sung-Joo and could potentially erase all the progress he has made.
The Maengs have owned and operated Moncton's Main Stop Oriental Market on West Main Street in Moncton since 2003. They have been honest to the government about Sung-Joo's disability and tried to gain permanent residency. Allowing the Maengs to remain in Canada will surely benefit Sung-Joo and will enable his older brother, Jung-Joo, to finish his science studies at Dalhousie University in Halifax.
The Maengs have worked hard to make a life for themselves in Canada. We ask you to allow them to stay, so they can continue to contribute to Canadian society and so Sung-Joo can learn and grow.
