This article explores the relationship between the citizen and the state in Canada, in the context of (i) sanctuary, where a church congregation shelters failed asylum seekers, and (ii) community sponsorship of refugees. The author argues that the political and legal framework governing border control and refugee admission structures the citizen’s relationship with the Canadian state and inflects their relationship with the refugees they shelter or sponsor. Further, in general, sanctuary providers interpose themselves as a shield between those they recognize as refugees and the state when refugee status is denied.