Meera sent back to US after Canadian immigration officials deny entry

Pakistani actor Meera has been sent back to the United States after Canadian immigration authorities denied her entry at the Niagara border following several hours of questioning.

The actor, whose real name is Syeda Irtiza Rubab, was travelling from New York to Canada to attend a show when immigration officials stopped her and questioned her before returning her to the US.

Meera said she was unaware of the exact reason behind the decision. She added that officials had asked her basic questions but did not clearly explain why she was refused entry.

“I still do not know why I was deported from Canada. I am trying to verify the facts,” the actor said. She also expressed suspicion that someone might have filed a complaint against her with malicious intent. However, no evidence of such a complaint has been made public, and the reason for the immigration decision remains unclear.

The incident has renewed attention on Meera’s previous immigration difficulties abroad. She had earlier faced entry restrictions in the United Kingdom after being questioned by immigration officers at Heathrow Airport.

According to details previously reported about the case, Meera was refused entry to Britain and received a 10-year entry ban. Her mother, Shafqat Zahra Bukhari, attributed the incident to a misunderstanding during an immigration interview, claiming that the actor had difficulty understanding questions asked in English.

Although the ban later expired, Meera reportedly continued to face challenges obtaining a British visa. A subsequent application was refused after her travel agent allegedly submitted incorrect information, prompting British authorities to raise concerns about the details provided.

In July 2025, Meera appealed publicly to the British government to grant her a visa so she could visit her sister, who was receiving cancer treatment in London. She said she had been unable to visit her family for several years because of the immigration dispute.

The actor, who holds a US Green Card, has regularly travelled to the United States for personal and professional commitments. She had also previously visited Calgary, Canada, to promote her film Psycho and perform on stage.

The latest incident has raised fresh questions about the circumstances surrounding her international travel. However, Canadian authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific grounds for refusing her entry.