A Journey to Citizenship
Shukuru Mugwa is a former refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. After 11 years in a refugee camp, Shukuru arrived in the United States. Shukuru had learned a bit of English before he arrived in Rhode Island. However, he still faced immense challenges. Shukuru had to adjust to an entirely new culture and way of life; Shukuru had a new job, a new schedule, a new lifestyle, and a new home.
Two weeks after arriving in America, Shukuru met with Omar Bah, the founder of the Refugee Dream Center. Shukuru felt that Omar, a former refugee himself, was an excellent resource who understood the challenges that he faced in America. With some help and support, Shukuru was able to become more comfortable in his new home. He had mastered the bus schedule, he was succeeding at his new job, and he was consistently coming to work on time.
In 2019, after five years of living in the United States, Shukuru became an American citizen. The process involved a great deal of hard work and personal accountability from Shukuru. However, Shukuru also wanted it to be known that he did not complete this process alone. Shukuru stated that he was only able to obtain his citizenship thanks to the help and support that he has received from others.
In providing advice to other refugees, Shukuru reiterated this point. Shukuru sees assistance as an absolute necessity for refugees adjusting to life in America. In discussing the Refugee Dream Center, Shukuru stated, “I know that many refugees still come…some are learning english, some are coming for advice, some need some social support…when you find another refugee like you, a former refugee like you, it is easy to express more”.
Shukuru has become happy and successful in his new home. He only hopes that other refugees can take advantage of the same opportunities that he has.