8 Portraits Of Refugees That Will Help You Understand The Refugee Experience

“I would love to learn computer programming," she said. "When you’re coding something, you’re creating something new."

Sami was an interpreter for the American and French military in Afghanistan. He speaks two Afghan languages, as well as English, French, and Urdu. “I feel grateful I’m in a country of people who have already ‘made it.' I promise I will pay it back,” he said.

"When I came to the US, I was living with an American family because I was under 18," she said. "Living on a farm and learning English was very challenging and I missed my family very much. I would practice English words while looking in the mirror so I wouldn't look 'funny' to others. I carried a few precious things with me on my journey. I often look at them to remind me that life is beautiful and worth celebrating daily. I am still using my English so that I can speak up on behalf of those who are just arriving. That's why I love America. There is room for us all."

Fazal started working with the US Army Special Forces in Afghanistan in 2011. "I was injured by an explosive device," he said. "I will always fight for peace."

“One unique thing I like about this country is most people are willing to help strangers even if they do not ask," Joseph said. He left Liberia because of its civil war in 1990 and ended up in a refugee camp on the Ivory Coast. Eventually another civil war broke out, and he was allowed into the United States in 2004. Joseph is graduating from college in June.

“After a civil war in my Nepal, and six years of being apart from my family, I have reunited with them in the US," said Kamala.

“My wife is back in Afghanistan, and I’m working to get her here with me," said Ajmal. "If I can’t, then I will go back to our county to die together in each other's arms.”

“The refugee problem is a human problem," he said. "I hope and dream for peace in the world.”