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US immigrants make sub-zero trek for slim chance at asylum in Canada
More than 1,000 asylum seekers have journeyed on foot through snow and icy river to cross border in remote areas unregulated by pact that bars refugee claims
Ashifa Kassam in Toronto
@ashifa_k
Thursday 23 March 2017 05.00 EDT
His wet clothes frozen stiff and feet sinking into the deep snow, Mamadou allowed himself a shred of hope when he glimpsed a faint light in the distance.
Many hours earlier, he had set out for the border just as the sun was setting, trudging through thick woods near Plattsburgh, New York, towards Canada.
Temperatures plunged to -15C and a bitter wind whipped snow-laden tree branches into his face. Several times, he was forced to wade through rivers or lakes.
“I was so cold. I was soaked. I didn’t think I was going to make it,” said the 46-year-old, choking back tears as he recalled his ordeal earlier this month. “I didn’t know where I was going – I had no map, no lamp, no light – nothing.”
More:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/23/us-immigrants-canada-asylum-border-refugees
