What if I use an alternative name on my CV and application?

I live in Canada. My name is quite foreign. I'm not going to put out my real name, but in terms of 'foreign-ness', it's on par with "Kamran Minayev".

I have a first name which is middle eastern and a russian family name. I've been told by two family friends that work as recruiters and by a close friend of mine who is of a South African origin, that my name definitely puts me at a disadvantage if I compete against a local with the exact same CV. Meaning, if both agents have the same CV, John Doe would get the job over Kamran Minayev.

So I have the following questions - is there any legal obstacles to sending my CV and applying to jobs with a more 'american' name, for example "Cameron Mina" or something similar. Furthermore, will that actually help? I've read about academic studies that gender studies and sociology academic journals are more likely to accept your submission if you have a non-white female name.

Don't worry about my feelings, I'd rather have an honest answer.