My father immigrated from Egypt to America in 1995 for the same reason as too many others: a fresh start. It all started when his best friend, Ezz, encouraged him to apply to a lottery that could win him a green card as a resident in the United States. Ironically enough, despite reluctance, my dad was the one who won and that’s where his journey truly began. I chose a picture of the Quran because coming from one’s homeland to a country with distinct cultures and different norms, it is often too easy to lose oneself. As my father was born and raised in Egypt, too many of his friends, family, or even acquaintances were Muslim. This environment of shared beliefs and religious implementation was his norm, until all of a sudden, it wasn’t. The thing about America, however, is that one does not have to become Westernized. America is a place filled with individuals from all disparate backgrounds who can come together and share that with one another. Religion is a major part of one's identity and I am extremely proud to come from a Muslim family. There are so many Qurans around the house and my dad made sure to take one with him as he made his journey here. 

– SN

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant