Former Aylmer man can’t return to Canada

Former long-time Aylmer resident Jonathan Kuiper, known as “Yoani” by his family and friends, can’t return to the country he calls home after his application for Canadian citizenship was denied by an immigration judge and his permanent residency card expired.

Born in the Netherlands and immigrating to Canada with his family when he was just over the age of one, Mr. Kuiper grew up in Aylmer and graduated from East Elgin Secondary School before leaving town for university in Toronto.

After working in Toronto for a few years, Mr. Kuiper moved back and forth from Canada to Europe for post-graduate school and then employment for several more years.

A Canadian resident for a total of 27 years, he applied for Canadian citizenship in 2013 while living in Europe after having the matter slip his mind over the years while busy living his life.

Last February, Mr. Kuiper was denied citizenship by the judge who cited a section of the Citizenship Act that at the time of his application required someone spend three out of four years in Canada prior to applying.

He is now working with the offices of two Ontario members of parliament to see what can be done about his citizenship and his expired permanent resident card.

Without having his landed immigrant status re-instated, Mr. Kuiper cannot return to Canada to visit his family.