Interview with Khadar Abdullahi, July 15, 2017

Interview Summary

Born in Kismayo, Somalia in 1991, Khadar Abdullahi fled war as a small child with his parents to Ethiopia where he lived for 11 years before coming to the U.S. in 2005. He talks about the critical heart problem of his infant sister which enabled the family to come to the U.S. as refugees; his sister was treated at Kosair/Norton Hospital in Louisville. He describes the struggles of the family to learn English and to support themselves in the U.S., his mother's emphasis on education, and the family's educational successes. He also discusses the lack of understanding by some Americans of Muslim dress, food restrictions and worship differences, and his hopes to go back to school.

Interview Keyword

Somalia Ethiopia Health care issues, costs, and access Medical care Kabribayah refugee camp Northan-Kosaid Hospital Kismayo Discrimination. Emigration and immigration law--United States

Interview LC Subject

Education Refugees Childhood Louisville (Ky.) Families. Immigrants--Kentucky Emigration and immigration.

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Interview Usage

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