by CHRIS BARRY

Name: Baig Mahmood Raza

Age: 38

Occupation: Refugee/Immigration consultant

Bio: This munificent Park Ex stud arrived here as a refugee all of seven years ago. A journalist in his native Pakistan, Baig had to get while the getting was good after rubbing too many people the wrong way with his consistently incendiary dispatches. Having encountered his fair share of difficulties with the Canadian immigration system upon arriving on these shores, he decided he would dedicate himself to "helping others who are in the same situation that I was" and soon opened up shop as a refugee consultant. He has an MA in history, and still writes occasionally for Asian Report.

Something he has to do more often than one might think: Come to the defence of refugee claimants whose roommates have gotten sick of them and provided misinformation to the authorities in an attempt to have them deported.

Something that has been happening more and more since the events of 9/11: Permanent residents of the U.S. of A., who also happen to be Muslim, seeking asylum in Canada on the grounds of discrimination. "There is a lot of insecurity [among Muslims in the U.S.] and they want to come to a country where they feel their human rights and protection are more guaranteed."

Is it easier to enter Canada as a refugee if you happen to be white? No. "A lot of people think this is the case but it isn't true."

Does he feel Immigration Canada is generally fair in their assessments of refugee claimants? Yes. "Canada is a very fair nation. No country in the world protects refugees better than Canada. But we still need to improve."

Is his heart regularly broken by clients whose applications wind up rejected? Yes. "Remember, just because a person gets refused doesn't mean that they are not a genuine refugee."

How often people try to hustle him with fake stories, identities etc., claiming to be refugees in an attempt to fast track the immigration process: All the time. "Many, many people try to abuse the gentle system we have in Canada. You know, some people are just crooks. But they take away the chances of people who truly are victims."

How much his services cost: "It is always very reasonable. Most of my clients don't have any money, you know. Sometimes I'll work for free. I tend to forget about money when there is a 35- or 40-year-old man or woman weeping in my office. I don't have much wealth here in Canada, no property, but I am honest."

How to reach him: Through the Mirror classifieds - much like you would an escort.

Childhood ambition: "To do my best to help humanity and be nice to senior citizens."

Something else he does: Volunteers at the Good Shepherd Community Centre helping senior citizens.

Last book read: The 1951 Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.

Musical preferences: Celine Dion.

Television preferences: Newswatch with Dennis Trudeau, The National, Documentary Channel.

Words of wisdom: "Respect others. If you don't respect others they will never respect you."

Comments? dimwit@openface.ca