Friday, February 4: Canadian and American Responses to Refugee Crises
Alberta Fulbright Lecture in American Studies
12:00 NOON - 1:00 PM
Humanities Centre L1
Speaker: Patrick Forrest, Fulbright Visiting Chair in American Studies
Sponsored by the Alberta Institute for American Studies
In this public lecture, Patrick Forrest discusses protracted refugee crises and the refugee admission programs of the United States and Canada, identifying potential approaches to facilitate and increase resettlement opportunities by improving efficiencies in the adjudication and admission process. He also assesses the possibility of developing a Canadian and American Joint Emergency Management Framework for Refugee Crisis Deference, while emphasizing the need for deterrent and response mechanisms that address the sources of conflict.
Bio:
Patrick Forrest is the Associate Chief at the Office of Legislative Affairs, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He was awarded the 2010- 2011 Fulbright Research Chair in North American Studies and is researching and lecturing at the University of Alberta. Forrest entered government service as a Presidential Management Fellow and has also practiced law as an Associate Counsel at DHS. During this time he was a member of the Bush-Obama Presidential Transition Team and received the United States Coast Guard Commandant’s Commendation Ribbon for his service. Forrest is a Member of the Adjunct Faculty at George Washington University and an Officer in the United States Coast Guard Reserves. His service includes emergency response tours for the Federal Emergency Management Agency in response to the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill, and hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Forrest graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1999 with his Bachelor of Arts in English and from Syracuse University College of Law with his Juris Doctor in 2003. He continued his education at George Washington University College of Law where in 2004 he received his Master of Laws in International Dispute Resolution and Litigation.
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