Thank you very much, Mr. Anandasangaree. It gives me an opportunity to be clear and consistent on this.
Any individual crossing our border from the United States between ports of entry is committing an illegal act, crossing the border illegally; however, once that person claims asylum, then that charge is stayed pending the determination of his or her refugee claim. Once someone is on Canadian soil, the charge of crossing irregularly is stayed pending the determination of the asylum claim.