A Pakistani-born family is making a last-ditch attempt to be reunited in Canada.

Sabir Mohammed Sheikh and his wife Seema were deported last summer, leaving their four children behind in Montreal.

Five-year-old Sabrina was born in Canada, and as a citizen cannot be forced to leave, but right now she is being looked after by her older brother, 21-year-old Sami.

"She's my sister, I'm not going to leave her out of my sight," said Sami.

The Sheikh's refugee status was revoked because they lied on their application about the length of time they lived in Dubai after leaving Pakistan in 1978.

They were residents of Dubai for 20 years, but when they arrived in Canada in 2000 told officials they had been there for only three years.

They were granted refugee status and settled in Park Extension, where they ran a grocery store.

However three years ago, the federal government learned of the deception, and revoked their refugee status.

The parents were the first to leave, and the older children will have to go next.

On Thursday, the Sheikh children asked a federal judge to reverse the decision.

Lawyer Stewart Istvanffy says in other countries, families would not be broken up.

"Canada is a country that will split up families, that will deport families that have Canadian children," said Istvanffy. "All Europe won't."

The Sheikhs said they lied on their application because of fear and bad instructions from fellow immigrants.

Government lawyers dismiss those fears, saying the family could not be afraid because they regularly visit Pakistan on vacation.

A decision is expected in several months.