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 to report on the dozens of mostly African refugees heading north to seek asylum in Canada. 

The crossings north were so frequent this winter that they threatened to overwhelm Manitoba's aid systems. It now appears the influx of refugees to Canada isn't slowing down anytime soon. 

Refugees in Minnesota risk death to reach Canada

Part of the cause was President Trump's election, since his victory and subsequent policies — including the travel ban — have 

It can be a risky voyage to get to Canada, especially in the harsh winter. One Ghanian man who spoke to MPR News suffered such severe frostbite he lost all his fingers and parts of his ears during the trip.

After reaching Canada, many people illegally crossing the border wind up at the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council, which provides legal assistance for refugees looking for asylum. 

Who are Minnesota's refugees?

The council served some 200 people in 2016, a big jump from its past average of 50 to 60 cases a year.

In 2017, the council projects it will handle 1,000 refugee asylum claims. 

As refugees continue flocking to Canada, a new 

 found almost half of Canadians want to deport those who illegally cross into the country. It also found that four in 10 respondents said the refugees may make Canada "less safe." Writes Reuters: 

A separate poll that Reuters/Ipsos conducted in the same week found that 50 percent of U.S. adults surveyed support "increasing the deportation of illegal immigrants." 

Dangerous passage: Refugees in Minnesota risk death to reach Canada

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Cody Nelson

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The Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council, which provides legal assistance for refugees looking for asylum, expects to handle 1,000 asylum claims this year -- about five times the 2016 amount.

The rural  intersection of 410th St. and 180th Ave. in Kittson County

More refugees expected to flee to Canada in 2017

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