Basketball trailblazer denied Canadian permanent residency, must return to U.S. 

Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, the trailblazing basketball player who set up an academy for girls and coached multiple sports at an Islamic school in London, Ont., has been denied permanent residency in Canada and will have to go back to the United States. Abdul-Qaadir led a four-year battle against the International Basketball Federation, which banned religious head coverings on the court. She won, but sacrificed her basketball career to do so. Bilqis "After waiting an entire year, my Canadian permanent residency application was refused because the @CitImmCanada’s officer felt that my job duties as Athletic Director at the Mosque/Private School in London ON, wasn’t adequate work." Abdul-Qaadir the subject of the documentary "Life Without Basketball" is an inspiration to all and a leader in her community. Send a message to the IRCC that this is not acceptable and that we want Bilqis to continue her work in London Ontario. Show Bilqis your support and the IRCC your outrage with 10,000 signatures.

We are grade 7&8 students from the TDSB who have been inspired by Bilqis story through her documentary and motivational speaking for Islamic Heritage Month and we can't allow this to happen!

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Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir Twitter: @Bilqis_AbdulQ

Muslim Girls Hoop Too Instagram: @muslimgirlshooptoo