Refugee claimant service providers

This study is based on interviews and focus groups with fourteen research participants, all of whom work for organizations providing services for immigrants, refugees and refugee claimants in Atlantic Canada. The purpose of this study is to explore the research participants' perceptions of the policies and practices that impact refugee claimants in the Atlantic Canadian region and to identify possible contradictions and gaps in policies, practices and services. Policy recommendations are also included toward improving the experiences of refugee claimants, a largely invisible and yet ever present and diverse group that disrupts the image of Canadian humanitarianism. This research is part of a multi-phased study exploring the experiences of refugee claimants in Canada, with a special emphasis on Atlantic Canada. Our findings show service providers perceive that shifting public policy has negatively impacted refugee claimants in Atlantic Canada, resulting in decreased services, increased complexity in navigating governmental systems, and increased deterrence for people seeking asylum. We conclude by recommending changes in policy and practice in the area of refugee protection.