Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Henry Burris is used to battles on the field. But it’s an off-field struggle to gain Canadian citizenship that has left him frustrated and disappointed.
Burris, 39, is a CFL veteran who was born in Oklahoma but has lived in Canada since he first moved to Calgary in 2005.
He wants to become a Canadian citizen, but is facing roadblocks.
He says his immigration lawyer has told him one of the key reasons he doesn’t qualify to become a Canadian is due to the nature of his job as a CFL player, and that it's not considered year-round, continuous employment.
“Our job just doesn’t quality as a full-time occupation because it’s not year-round, a 9 to 5,” he said. “But trust me, to do what we do, both on and off the field, it’s more than just a full-time job.”
To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, you must first become a permanent resident.
Burris has twice applied for that, and even taking an English test, although English is his first language.
So far, his applications have been unsuccessful.
“This is often what happens when you have a one-size-fits-all immigration policy,” said immigration lawyer Joel Sandaluk. “Certain people with specific skills, very particular talents, are often left out. They fall through the cracks.”
Burris plays for the Redblacks from June to November. During the off-season, he trains, takes part in community engagements, and also manages a pizza franchise he started in Calgary.
Burris is also busy with the organization he founded called the Burris Foundation, which raises money for children’s charities in the Calgary area.
“We’ve invested so much into this great country here, this is a place where we call home, and we want to make sure we can keep calling it home, hopefully after my playing career is done and my work permit has expired,” Burris said.
His CFL contract comes to an end after the 2016 season. Burris turns 40 this summer. He hasn’t ruled out playing football professionally after his contract expires, but he says it’s unlikely.
Burris has spent $7,000 on an immigration lawyer, and says it’s frustrating to be starting back at square one.
“When I come and I register, I'm coming more as a father, a parent, a husband, and a person who has been living in this country with my family for a long time,” he said. “This is home for us now, and we're just trying to do whatever we can to make sure hopefully that doesn't get taken away.
"I don't if anyone should have to go to the point where they break the bank just to try to become a citizen somewhere -- because your proven worthiness is the work that you do day in and day out, as a far as your job and also in the community," he added.
CTV Ottawa requested a comment from the federal Citizenship and Immigration department . The press secretary for Immigration and Citizenship Minister Chris Alexander has said due to privacy laws, they are not able to provide details on individual cases without a signed privacy waiver.
Burris was the CFL's Most Outstanding Player in 2010. He's heading into his second season with the RedBlacks; he threw for 3,728 yards with 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions last season.
Burris went undrafted out of Temple University, and joined the CFL in 1998.
He has thrown for 55,254 yards over his career, trailing only Hall of Famer Damon Allen and Montreal Alouettes' great Anthony Calvillo.
His 335 career touchdowns also place him third in league history.
With files from CTV.ca staff
