Randy Quaid appeals Canada refugee ruling

OTTAWA, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Canadian immigration officials denied a request for permanent residency from American actor Randy Quaid.

Immigration Canada said Quaid did not qualify for residency under the refugee protection despite claims his life was in danger from a Hollywood cabal of lawyers and talent agents involved in racketeering, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

CBC News said Quaid and his wife, Evi, filed an appeal on the grounds their lives were in danger. Evi Quaid is a Canadian citizen and had sponsored her husband's residency request.

While the Quaids contention they were being targeted for death was not accepted by Immigration Canada, the couple faces confirmed legal trouble in the United States in the form of arrest warrants.

CBC News said both were wanted after failing to appear in court to face burglary charges for allegedly vandalizing a California home they once owned in 2009.