Abdi Iftin grew up in war-torn Somalia and moved to Kenya to escape, but was still in danger. He miraculously won the US visa lottery in 2013 and now lives in Maine. He has authored the acclaimed memoir, Call Me American. Abdi is a writer, public speaker, and advocate for immigrants and refugees.

We spoke with Abdi about avoiding capture during Somalia’s tribal wars, winning a Green Card to the US, and growing to love the winters in the East Coast.

Want to share your immigration stories or have a question? We'd love to hear from you. Shoot Us an email: WhereWeLandPod@gmail.com

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About the Hosts:
Luciana and Claudia Valdiviezo know what it’s like to move to the U.S. – twice. They were born in Peru and lived there for only a few years until their parents moved the family to the U.S. The sisters kept in touch with their roots, speaking Spanish at home and every Christmas when they visited Peru for the holidays. Then, when they were 12 and 11 respectively, the family moved back to Peru. Growing up both Peruvian and American during those formative years gave Luciana and Claudia a deep understanding of what it means to belong, and not belong, at the same time.

The sisters eventually moved back to the U.S. Luciana is a marketing professional living in Washington D.C. with her husband and two young children. Claudia is a writer living in New York City.

Click here for a list of immigration resources / organizations you can support.