A man who thought the Red River was the border between the United States and Canada, and swam across to claim refugee status in Canada, received quite a surprise at an immigration hearing Wednesday.
The Immigration and Refugee Board cut the hearing short and told Yahya Samatar his claim has been accepted.
Samatar can now apply to be a permanent resident. That process could take more than a year.
At that time, he will be able to bring his wife and four children to Canada.
Samatar was engaged in human rights work in Somalia and was kidnapped and had his life threatened by terrorist group Al Shabab.
Refugee stories like Samatar's have become an issue this election.
The Syrian refugee crisis sparked debate and campaign promises in Canada.
The NDP, Conservatives and Liberals have all promised to bring more refugees to Canada.
In addition, the NDP promised to fast-track private sponsorship.
And the Liberals promised to spend $100 million to help process, sponsor and settle refugees.
But one Winnipeg woman who works with refugees said the system itself isn't working.
"Paperwork that used to be five or eight pages is now 25, 30, 40 pages of applications that have to be done," said Karin Gordon with Hospitality House Refugee Ministry.
Gordon said refugees wait years to get to Canada, and receive little support and inadequate resources when they arrive.
With files by CTV's Meghan Roberts and Ben Miljure.
