About Deborah Morrish

In addition to being a renowned adjudicator and humanitarian consultant, Deborah Morrish is also a former educator, volunteer, and proud mother.

She is committed to the protection of human rights all over the world, particularly for refugees and migrants. Such important international work demands collaboration and the ability to bring concepts from the planning stage to fruition.

Deborah has made a point throughout her career to build meaningful connections with people who also see the importance of protecting the world’s subjugated populations. She believes the best ideas still require broad support, especially when discussing international relief efforts.
Deborah served as a career adjudicator for over 35 years, first as a Vice Chair of the Ontario Social Assistance Review Board, then as the Assistant Deputy Chair of the Immigration and Refugee board. Most recently she functions as a consultant to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in South Africa. Global work led her to many corners of the world, as she dedicated her professional life to making the world a better place.

The trajectory of her career led her to earn a number of degrees and certifications, including HBA, BEd, BSc, as well as two Masters degrees. She earned the Management for Executives certificate from the Canada School of Public Service and a Diploma in Studies in French at La Sorbonne, Paris. She also holds an Alternative Dispute Resolution Certification Parts 1 & 2 in Toronto, Ontario.

Q&A Section
Who is Deborah Morrish?
Deborah Morrish is an immigration advocate who has helped refugees and migrants in Canada and around the world. Her journey into the field of refugee advocacy began more than 35 years ago with her selection as Vice Chair of the Ontario Social Assistance Review Board. Later she served as Assistant Deputy Chair of the Immigration and Refugee Board, and worked as a consultant for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in South Africa.
What is Deborah Morrish’s educational background?
Deborah’s academic achievements include HBA, BEd and BSc degrees, as well as two master’s degrees, a certificate from the Canada School of Public Service, and a Diploma in Studies in French at La Sorbonne, Paris. Her relevant adjudication credentials include an Alternative Dispute Resolution Certification Parts 1 & 2 in Toronto, Ontario.
What is an adjudicator?
An adjudicator is a skilled professional who has mastered the technical aspects of immigration, but also a humanitarian who understands the goals, drive and dreams of refugees, asylum-seekers and other immigrants.

In this role, Deborah fights against human trafficking, persecution and abuse of vulnerable populations worldwide. Her work takes her around the globe, and deep into a range of international issues, including cross-border migration, asylum policy, social and governmental support systems for refugees, and immigrant rights.

What else does an adjudicator do?
An adjudicator acts as an advocate and negotiator when interacting with government agencies, officials, NGOs, charitable groups, media organizations and advocacy coalitions to improve the lives of refugees and migrants.

An adjudicator has command of the technical aspects of immigration, but also never loses sight of the big picture — the new life and new opportunities her work can achieve for clients.

Asylum claims and other immigration cases require substantial amounts of paperwork, and an incredible eye for detail. Responsibilities include finding the right agency for a particular case, submitting the proper documents on time, and communicating effectively with families, as well as the officials who will make life-changing decisions about their immigration status.

What makes an effective adjudicator?
Effective adjudicators are powerful advocates, but not strident as they seek to achieve their clients’ goals. They negotiate, build relationships and earn respect. They often rely on a network of colleagues, professionals and organizations to ensure refugees are able to successfully navigate the vast bureaucratic labyrinth that frustrates the dreams of so many migrants.

A good adjudicator thinks big, often redefining the role itself. For Deborah, that means advocating for reform of asylum policy and immigration law. And in the communities where refugees settle, she works to ensure new arrivals are comfortable, safe and welcome, with realistic access to ladders of opportunity.