Why Did Canada Deny Surf Prodigy Erin Brooks’ Citizenship?

It’s not uncommon for athletes to make a citizenship switcheroo.

When it comes to the Olympics, athletes often represent countries which they have familial ties to, but in which they weren’t born, nor currently live. Look at silver medalist Kanoa Igarashi; born and bred in Huntington Beach, California, yet with deep ties to, and his parents hailing from, the nation of Japan. So, that’s who he represents.

In the case of Erin Brooks – the young surf prodigy who was born in Texas, raised in Hawaii – she’s been denied in her bid to represent Canada. But why?

Officially, in a letter explaining its decision not to grant citizenship, (via Yahoo) Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada says Brooks is "not stateless, will not face special and unusual hardship if you are not granted Canadian citizenship and that you have not provided services of an exceptional value to Canada."

Brooks’ ties to Canada come from her father, who has dual American-Canadian citizen. And, for her best chances to make the Olympics (only two slots go to each country, per gender), the Canada route seemed like the best option.

But Canada said “(n)eh.”

In an opinion piece from the CBC, a writer questions: “Why wouldn't Canada want a talented, young athlete as one of its citizens?”

They continue:

“As much as I feel that borders are man-made and the rules are not applied evenly in so many processes, I can't help feeling sympathetic to this young athlete. That being said, so many people are waiting to receive permanent residency in Canada because of a severe backlog.

“No, Brooks is not seeking asylum, but if there is precedent for her receiving an opportunity to represent Canada, why wouldn't we want that? Canada can make waves in one of the newest sports! Isn't that what should happen?”

A Canadian conundrum indeed…

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