Abdi Nor Iftin
Abdi Nor Iftin grew up in Somalia during the civil war, finding solace in American movies and music.
He learned English and earned the nickname "Abdi American." Fleeing Somalia to escape al-Shabaab, he eventually won the Diversity Visa Lottery and immigrated to the United States.
Now a resident of Maine, Iftin advocates for refugee rights and serves on the advising council for Refugee International.
He became a naturalized American citizen in 2020 and voted in U.S. elections for the first time.
Iftin's memoir reflects on his experiences as a refugee and Muslim immigrant, offering a timely perspective on the challenges faced by those seeking a better life in Western democracies.
