The Ibrahim family recently came to America from Somalia. They had to adapt quickly to the many changes by learning English and looking for employment in a poor economy. Even though safe from the threat of war and civil conflict, they faced the harsh realities of financial instability and integration into a foreign society. They managed to keep their pride in their traditions and identity while adapting to their new home. Often, they turn to their own expatriate community for social and moral support and feelings of home.
As wars continue to ravage the globe, the number of the people displaced by these conflicts continues to grow, forced to leave from their homelands. After 9/11, America embarked on two wars in Afghanistan and Iraqi. Currently, there are more than 844,000 people living in the United States with refugee status.
These refugees fled to America with hopes and dreams of a better future. Despite their varied origins, they share the common experience of uncertainty, fear and trauma, living day to day in a challenging and often disillusioning process of transition to life in America.
