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LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Colorado’s governor has vowed to assist any Ukrainian refugees who come to the state, whereas hundreds of those that fled Afghanistan are already making an attempt to make a brand new life for themselves right here. The painstaking course of is one thing one Iraqi household is aware of all too nicely, and so they have a message of hope for anybody going through the lengthy highway to resettlement.
Mousa Alkhafaji and Rasha Alhlaichi fled Baghdad with their younger sons Ghaith (Jay) and Ali in 2017. The household was pressured to depart the nation following Alkhafaji’s pivotal work translating for US forces. He needed to guard his household, and it took him round 4 years to type out the paperwork wanted for the household to depart.
“Offered the whole lot, I give up my job, we’re prepared to depart. And Trump grew to become the president and he declared the journey ban. So, I obtained that decision that stated ‘Mousa your flight is canceled.’ It was an enormous shock. For me, it was a catastrophe,” Alkhafaji stated.
Alkhafaji was not about to attend one other 4 years to use for the paperwork wanted. He purchased extra tickets and took an enormous danger, however the household made it to Colorado.
“The very best place ever for us. And we already really feel like we’re at dwelling,” Alkhafaji stated.
READ MORE: Refugee household barely escapes Iraq throughout journey ban, makes dwelling in Colorado
5 years later and the household has confronted numerous challenges over the course of their resettlement course of. For Alhlaichi, she stayed dwelling once they first arrived, which was very completely different from her life as a trainer in Iraq.
“After two months, I am like, this isn’t me. As a result of after I was in my nation, I used to be an elementary college trainer. And I used to be a pupil too,” Alhlaichi stated. “I am not going to be right here and never comply with my dream. So, I made a decision to discover a job.”
When she first began working in Colorado, she had to return to being an assistant trainer. Alhlaichi labored her means up, and in 2020 graduated as a director of early childhood schooling. Now, she’s at school to turn into an early childhood educator coach. She is predicted to graduate in December.
“My mother — she could be so proud, as a result of it is not simple,” Alhlaichi stated.
In September, the household moved into the primary dwelling they’ve bought in Lakewood.
Regardless of the accomplishments of the household, they miss their family members in Iraq greater than phrases can say. They haven’t been capable of return since they fled in 2017.
“Sadly, and after a couple of months arriving right here, I misplaced my dad and I could not have an opportunity to go and see him due to what occurred to us. As a result of that was scary,” Alkhafaji stated. “What if I left and so they did not permit me to return again once more?”
Watching what has occurred in Afghanistan and Ukraine has been heartbreaking for the household.
“I used to be born in the course of the the warfare between Iraq and Iran. For eight years I grew up on this world. And the way unhealthy is it? We misplaced individuals, buddies, relations, neighbors,” Alkhafaji stated with emotion clearly in his eyes. “The warfare does not distinguish between younger, previous, man, lady or child. And it was actually dangerous to see this on movies occurring once more in 2022.”
Nonetheless, what the household remembers most about 2017 was the love and assist they present in Colorado. Alhlaichi has one message for any refugees presently making an attempt to resettle: “Simply do not hand over. We are able to do the whole lot we wish. We’re so sturdy.”
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