For refugees in the United States, voting is the culmination of a long journey from fleeing war or persecution in their countries of origin to becoming full participants in American democracy.
After they are chosen for resettlement and arrive in their new communities, refugees have to live in the U.S. for five years before they can apply for citizenship. The six-step process includes background checks, interviews, an exam focused on American history and government, and, finally, an oath of allegiance to the U.S. Refugees are then citizens eligible to vote, and can join other Americans in advocating for the changes they’d like to see in their communities and country.
Below, four refugee first-time voters explain why they are excited to exercise their right this year—and why all eligible American citizens should also make their voices heard on the issues that matter to them.
Editor's note: As we await a result of the 2020 United States election, the votes of all Americans must be counted. This includes refugees and other new Americans who have undertaken courageous journeys to become U.S. citizens, for whom voting in elections has deep meaning and significance, and who have the right to rely on their voice being heard through mail-in voting.
Every vote counts.
Muska Haseeb
Photo: Colette Roark/IRC
Name: Muska Haseeb
From: Afghanistan
Lives: Phoenix, Arizona
Photographed: At her college where she was a pre-med student
“As a citizen of the United States of America, it is my right and my duty to vote. I know that this right did not come easy to many in the U.S.
“When I vote, I think about education, immigration, and women’s rights—issues that I believe are related to one another. For instance, as the cost of college rises, I’ve seen both immigrants and citizens struggle to afford their classes. I want changes that will empower every single one of us.
“Every vote counts. With your vote, you’re supporting yourself, your family, your friends, and every citizen of this country.”
You have your voice and your voice has so much power.
Shadi Ismail
Photo: Gracieux Baraka/IRC
Name: Shadi Ismail
From: Syria
Lives: Outside of Boise, Idaho
Photographed: In the yard of his newly purchased house
“It’s important to me to vote because I am part of this community.
“I just bought a house here. It was important to me to have something that I own, a place where no one can kick me out. Everything that happens here matters to me. Using my voice is the least I can do to help my community grow.
“I want to say to refugees, you can speak up. I know [that] where you came from you might not have had a choice. But here, you do. You have your voice and your voice has so much power.”
Please vote because your vote counts and your vote will change the world.
Fredrick Shema
Photo: Gracieux Baraka/IRC
Name: Fredrick Shema
From: Uganda
Lives: Boise, Idaho
Photographed: At his home the day he put his ballot in the mail
“I believe it is really crucial for me to vote because my vote will determine the next administration and what policies are passed.
“As a Black man in America, I see that there is a lot of racism and injustice going on. That's one issue that's very personal to me. There’s also immigration and education, so many issues that I can’t list all of them.
“If you want change, you must exercise your right as a citizen. Whether it’s in person or by mail, please vote because your vote counts and your vote will change the world.”
Maha Obeidi
Photo: Andrew Oberstadt/IRC
Name: Maha Obeidi
From: Iraq
Lives: Queens, New York
Photographed: In the city park where she studied for her citizenship exam
“When you’re a citizen you have rights, and you also have responsibilities. I feel that if I can share my voice and be an active member of the community, I should.
“I studied for my citizenship exam here, in Astoria Park, in the mornings. I learned that the First Amendment of the United States guarantees freedom of speech and of religion. That’s important to me, that I can practice any religion I want.
“I am proud to be an American. I loved my country, Iraq, but now I am an American woman. My roots are here.”