Randy Quaid Loses Canada 'Refugee' Move

US actor Randy Quaid's request for permanent resident status in Canada has been refused by immigration officials.

The star had requested refugee status under the country's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in October 2010 after leaving America over claims that he and his wife illegally occupied and caused \$5,000 (£3,160) of damage to a guest house.

A Canadian government official confirmed the decision, which Quaid can appeal against.

The US Department of Justice has refused to seek the extradition of the couple from Canada to face felony vandalism charges in Santa Barbara, California.

But authorities in the coastal town say they will still have the couple arrested if they return to the US.

Quaid had sought to stay in Canada, claiming he was being hunted by "Hollywood star whackers" who had killed his friends Heath Ledger and David Carradine.

Randy Quaid is best-known for his roles in films such as National Lampoon's Vacation and Independence Day. He is also the older brother of actor Dennis Quaid who was once married to Meg Ryan.

He won a Golden Globe award for his depiction of President Lyndon B. Johnson in a TV movie in the late 1980s.