Randy Quaid wins extended stay in Canada

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Published on February 23, 2011 09:05PM EST

Randy Quaid, wanted in the United States for several outstanding warrants, can stay in Canada for the time being now that his wife, Evi, is officially a Canadian citizen, according to the Toronto Globe and Mail. "On Feb. 16, the inadmissibility proceedings against Randy Quaid were formally withdrawn by [Canada Border Service Agency]. Randy no longer faces any impediments to his presence in Canada," said the couple's lawyer, Catherine Sas, at a press conference in Vancouver. "Evi's Canadian citizenship was formally recognized and we received her citizenship card on Feb. 10. Evi has formally applied to sponsor her husband and it is anticipated that Randy will be granted his permanent resident status in due course and before the refugee claim is scheduled."

In October, the couple had been arrested in Vancouver for immigration violation charges after they'd fled felony burglary charges in California. They applied for refugee status, claiming they were being persecuted by U.S. authorities and threatened by "star whackers." Quaid, who was nominated for an Oscar for 1973's The Last Detail, is best known for playing Chevy Chase's rube cousin in the Vacation films.

The CBSA has confirmed to EW that admissibility proceedings, associated to the alleged charges in California, have been withdrawn against Randy Quaid, and that his refugee claim is still in effect. Per that understanding, Quaid still needs to check in with Canadian authorities once each week.

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