“This is only your second time?” Auntie Miriam asked.

“Yes, but I’ve been doing immigration cases for five years now. This is new for everyone—the lawyers and the government. We’re all in the same boat. Before, you had to write everything on paper and applications. Now, everyone will have a chance to speak before the board, including Alfred. Nothing is more powerful than the testimony of fear from someone who lives it. To have the opportunity to air one’s grievance is rare, especially when it could lead to a positive outcome. This is a good thing, and we will make the most of it.”

“So, this is a court process? We’re going to be in front of a judge?” asked Auntie Miriam.

“It’s technically not a courtroom, but it’s similar. The hearing is less formal, and there are fewer rules. We will appear in front of board members, not judges. It’s a bit like a serious conversation over a large table. Don’t worry. Alfred’s story is very compelling, and I believe if they hear his words, he has a better chance than if they simply read them on paper.”

I was deeply impressed by Ms Wong. Here was a Chinese Canadian woman speaking with authority and confidently guiding Alfred in what sounded like a complicated process. Like Auntie Miriam, she spoke perfect English with no accent. I was in awe of her.

A security guard approached and directed us to enter the hearing room. It had four long tables positioned to make a square. The security guard told everyone where to sit. “He’s just like Uncle Joe, telling his friends where to sit at a mah-jong table,” Mother whispered to Auntie Miriam. Auntie Miriam giggled. The guard pointed at the north end of the table, where the people who held Alfred’s fate in their hands would sit. Ms Wong was sitting on the east side, a representative of the Immigration Minister was sitting on the west, and Alfred was sitting to the south. Ms Wong spread her papers around her. Alfred mentioned to Mother that he felt too far away from his lawyer. Ms. Wong overheard and said that she was close enough to intervene if necessary.

The guard told the rest of us to sit in the chairs lining the wall behind Alfred and instructed us to stand when the board members entered the room. We were joined by an elderly woman who introduced herself as Gwen. She would interpret the proceedings and sat in the chair next to Alfred.

The security guard left the room and the door at the opposite end opened. A hush came over the room, and three people entered. The first was a large man, balding and sweating. The second was a tanned man with large spectacles who towered over the other two. The third was a woman with curly brown hair and stunning blue eyes. They were all dressed in suits and had large bundles of paper with them. Mother, Auntie Miriam, and Alfred looked fearful but obedient, like they had been summoned to the principal’s office.