Government Officials: Pilot Project and Cato Institute

government officials: An assistant secretary of state reportedly referred to it at a public forum, according to Hamilton Spectator. Canada immigration minister says he has heard about a pilot project, and one small-government advocate says he been advising policy-makers on it. A group that works with the government on resettling refugees says a pilot project is in the works. David Bier of the libertarian Cato Institute said he used the experience of the northern neighbour while making the case to government officials that the private sector could play a bigger role in resettling refugees. In the meantime, the Canadian program started getting international attention. "The fact that it was already in operation in Canada and had proven successful was invaluable to our advocacy," Bier said in an interview. "I have no doubt that this is going to happen . This is something that part of the agenda and is being developed by the most important actors in the American refugee system." The Canadian program allows people to sponsor a refugee for $12,600, which includes help with income and initial costs like groceries and rent. He said there was initial reticence when he first discussed it last year with government officials, but he said the White House became enthusiastic and the State Department got involved in the details. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.