Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  That's something I don't know much about, U.S. refugee law. However, I do know that they had some flexible measures put in place for Iraqis, but beyond that, I don't know what they've done in the U.S., no.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Sure, I'd be happy to comment on that. As I said, I want to preface my remarks by saying that I don't want to disparage or demean the visa officers in any way. They have a very difficult job and they're doing it with very few resources, but I do think they could use some more training.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Yes, I do. I understand French, but I would prefer the interpreter.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Absolutely, they do. There are several international conventions. I could get the citations for you if you like. Just to give you one small example, international law indicates that once a refugee is determined to be a refugee, you should make every possible effort to integrate them into your society, so as not to leave them displaced and hanging in limbo for a long time.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Absolutely, I can do that. My number one recommendation for improving the system would be to expand the category of people who can apply for refugee protection while still living in their own country. As I said before, you can't be a refugee if you're inside your own country. The only other way would be if you are in the source-country class, which has only six countries on it.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Just to clarify my qualifications for the committee, I am an immigration and refugee lawyer with almost 14 years of experience. I'm certified as a specialist by the Law Society of Upper Canada in both immigration law and refugee law as well. For the past eight years, I have done a great many overseas refugee sponsorships.