An Ottawa man says he will appeal after losing a round in his court battle for Canadian citizenship.
Deepan Budlakoti was suddenly told by federal officials four years ago that he is not a citizen — even though he was born in Canada and had been issued a Canadian passport.
The government argues Budlakoti did not automatically become a Canadian at birth in 1989, as his parents were employed by a foreign diplomat, the Indian high commissioner.
Budlakoti, 24, was ordered out of Canada three years ago due to drug and firearms convictions.
Federal Court Justice Michael Phelan was not convinced by Budlakoti's argument that his parents no longer worked for the diplomat when he was born.
In addition, Phelan says in his ruling the fact Budlakoti was given a Canadian passport does not necessarily mean he was a Canadian citizen.
