Sudanese refugee posed as 16-year-old basketball star

 

by Michael Hugall

 

On Nov. 22, 2015 the City of Windsor welcomed a 16-year-old Sudanese student, Jonathon Nicola.

What was unknown at the time has now come to light after an investigation done by CBSA alleged that Nicola was not a 16-year-old student but in fact a 29-year-old Sudanese man.

Nicola had been attending Catholic Central high school since Nov.24, 2015. He was arrested and charged with contravening the Immigration Refugee Protection Act by misrepresenting material facts for a study permit.

The story broke April 20, and spread quickly via social media. The Windsor Star’s Trevor Wilhelm posted the story and within the first 10 minutes retweets and favourites surpassed 100. As of 12:06 p.m. today the article has 1,800 retweets and 1,300 likes.

Stephen Fields, media relations officer for the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board said there is a rigorous system to confirm the presence of necessary government documents for any international student coming into Canada.

“Student visa, passport, academic transcripts, photo ID (entification)… with all the proper documentation it is incumbent for us to let them into our system,” said Fields.

Nicola’s accommodations in Canada were arranged through a program called the Canada Homestay Network, an organization more than 20 years old which has helped tens of thousands of students find a home in 50 Canadian cities.

“This is the first incident in CHN’s 21-year history involving Canadian immigration authorities and an international student,” said managing director of CHN, Jennifer Wilson. “We have been in constant contact with our host family to ensure they have the most up-to-date information.”

A CHN statement says the Canada Homestay Network is not responsible for student background checks. These are routinely performed as part of the student permit process conducted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Nicola lived with Catholic Central head coach Peter Cusumano during his residency in Windsor. Cusumano, who retired March 19, will not comment on the situation, citing WECDSB stipulations.

Nicola was brought to the attention of Cusumano by talent scout Greg Dole, (The same scout who discovered Brazilian basketball star Leandro Barbosa).

Nicola’s first detention review took place April 19, and the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada elected to continue detaining him. His next detention hearing is scheduled for April 26.