(Reviewed by JD Jung)
“When refugees leave, it is rarely, if ever, happy. And it is never something they choose to do.
Their bodies, finding no other way to survive, split themselves from their souls, wave goodbye to them, on the fragile hope that soon, they will meet again.”
Dr. Diya Abdo knows this firsthand as she was born and raised in Jordon as s Palestinian refugee. However, she learned so much more from talking to those she met at Every Campus A Refuge at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Dr. Abdo founded this organization upon heeding Pope Francis’ call for every parish in Europe to host a refugee family. She provides convincing reasons why college campuses are logical places to receive refugees. Most of this book, however, is comprised of stories that were conducted from formal interviews. Each story is unique, just like the individuals.
You can’t help but feel for these interviewees. One was born in a refugee camp in Thailand after her family fled Myanmar. One fled from Burundi, another from Iraq and one was a gay man fleeing Uganda. As with most refugees who eventually come to the U.S., they fled to a neighboring country first. However, Dr. Abdo reminds us that less than one percent of the world’s refugees are ever resettled.
She starts the book with the individuals in their home countries living their lives with their families and loved ones, which is relatable to all of us. They then explain what forced them to leave and what transpired in the countries they fled to. We then learn what they had to face resettling to the United States. Initially I was confused with this structure; when there was a change in person, I often didn’t remember their backstory. However, eventually I kept it straight and realized that it made more sense structuring it that way.
Dr. Abdo concludes with the refugee process in general and distinguishes the term “refugee” from others that many use interchangeably in error, though they have some elements in common. She also explains the history of refugee admission and resettlement to the U.S. from the late twentieth century to today.
American Refugee will make you think as well as feel. It is a must-read, not just for Americans but for all citizens around the world.
