Toronto runner gets Canadian citizenship to trump U.S. travel ban

It appearsSoroushHatami'sdream tocompete in the Boston Marathon is finally about to come true.

"That's exciting news ... There's a high possibilityI can get my passport right on time, and I hope I can make it to Boston," Hatami said.

• Marathon runner stopped in his tracks by Trump travel ban
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The 37-year-old, who emigrated from Iran to Toronto in 2013 and is a permanent resident of Canada, received his Canadian citizenship Friday afternoon.

He hopes it willhelp clear a major hurdle that has barred himfrom entering the United States.

Last January, an executive order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump blocked citizens of several Muslim-majority nations from entering the United States including Hatami'sbirth country of Iran.

Despite qualifying for the Boston Marathon back in October 2017, Hatamiwas banned from entering the U.S., based on his Iranian citizenship; a decision he calls"unfair" and "xenophobic."

"Targeting countries and banning everyone from those countries, doesn't help with U.S. national security," Hatami said.

But now, with the runner taking the oath of citizenship after a months-long application process, he'll be able to apply for a Canadian passport. According to the Government of Canada's website, with express processing a newpassport can be deliveredintwo to nine business days.

2018's Boston Marathon is set for April 16.

Beyond the race, Hatami andfellow long-distance runnerDaniel Sellerssaythey aren't done fighting against the travel ban and hopeto help those who may be caught in similar predicaments.

"That's great that we're about to realize our goal. However, on the other side, the travel ban is not over and our campaign is not over."

'Bigger issues' at stake

Hatamiand Sellersestablished the Banned on the Run fundraising effort shortly after they learned of the travel ban.

The project's goal is to raise $26,000 US $1,000 for each mile in a marathon.

"I've necessarily had to articulate why I think [the travel ban] is not a fair or effective policy," Sellers said.

Theproceedswill go toward two organizations Muslim Advocates and the International Refugee Assistance Project, Both groupsare legal advocates for clients involved in the travel ban.

Banned on the Run has raised just over $3,000 but Sellers says he is "confident" there will be more donations with more than a month to go before the race. The group has also planned a fundraising run on March 18 at High Park.

Hatamifeels fortunate that his case has worked out but that there are "bigger issues" at stake with people who are caught in the the ban, including international students he personally knows who are in the U.S. studying for their PhDs.

"After the travel ban, they have not left the United States because they know if they leave, they are not able to come back and continue their studies. That's sad."

After the travel ban, they have not left the United States because they know if they leave, they are not able to come back and continue their studies. That's sad.- SoroushHatami, marathon runner

While Sellers said he couldn't attend Hatami'scitizenship ceremony, they'll be racing together in Boston, a goal they said they've been working toward for years.