For refugees in the United States, voting is the culmination of a long journey from fleeing war or persecution in their countries of origin to becoming full participants in American democracy. 

After they are chosen for resettlement and arrive in their new communities, refugees have to live in the U.S. for five years before they can apply for citizenship. The six-step process includes background checks, interviews, an exam focused on American history and government, and, finally, an oath of allegiance to the U.S. Refugees are then citizens eligible to vote, and can join other Americans in advocating for the changes they’d like to see in their communities and country. 

Below, four refugee first-time voters explain why they are excited to exercise their right this year—and why all eligible American citizens should also make their voices heard on the issues that matter to them.

Every vote counts.

Muska Haseeb smiles and holds her mail-in ballot out to the camera
Muska Haseeb
Photo: Colette Roark/IRC

 Name: Muska Haseeb

From: Afghanistan 

Lives: Phoenix, Arizona

Photographed: At the Arizona college where she was a pre-med student

“As a citizen of the United States of America, it is my right and my duty to vote. I know that this right did not come easy to many in the U.S.

“When I vote, I think about education, immigration, and women’s rights—issues that I believe are related to one another. For instance, as the cost of college rises, I’ve seen both immigrants and citizens struggle to afford their classes. I want changes that will empower every single one of us.  

“Every vote counts. With your vote, you’re supporting yourself, your family, your friends, and every citizen of this country.”

You have your voice and your voice has so much power.

Shadi, wearing a white botton-down shirt, sits in his backyard in front of his white fence near his garden.
Shadi Ismail
Photo: Gracieux Baraka/IRC

Name: Shadi Ismail 

From: Syria

Lives: Outside of Boise, Idaho

Photographed: In the yard of his newly purchased house

“It’s important to me to vote because I am part of this community. 

“I just bought a house here. It was important to me to have something that I own, a place where no one can kick me out. Everything that happens here matters to me. Using my voice is the least I can do to help my community grow. 

“I want to say to refugees, you can speak up. I know [that] where you came from you might not have had a choice. But here, you do. You have your voice and your voice has so much power.”

Watch Shadi discuss his story and thoughts on voting with IRC Ambassador Mandy Patinkin and his wife Kathryn Grody. 

Please vote because your vote counts and your vote will change the world.

Fredrick poses in the yard of his house in Boise.
Fredrick Shema
Photo: Gracieux Baraka/IRC

 Name: Fredrick Shema

From: Uganda

Lives: Boise, Idaho

Photographed: At his home the day he put his ballot in the mail 

“I believe it is really crucial for me to vote because my vote will determine the next administration and what policies are passed. 

“As a Black man in America, I see that there is a lot of racism and injustice going on. That's one issue that's very personal to me. There’s also immigration and education, so many issues that I can’t list all of them. 

“If you want change, you must exercise your right as a citizen. Whether it’s in person or by mail, please vote because your vote counts and your vote will change the world.”

When you’re a citizen you have rights, and you also have responsibilities.

Maha sits on a bench in Astoria Park looking at the camera. She is holding a citizenship exam study book.
Maha al-Obaidi
Photo: Andrew Oberstadt/IRC

Name: Maha al-Obaidi

From: Iraq 

Lives: Queens, New York

Photographed:  In the city park where she studied for her citizenship exam

“When you’re a citizen you have rights, and you also have responsibilities. I feel that if I can share my voice and be an active member of the community, I should. 

“I studied for my citizenship exam here, in Astoria Park, in the mornings. I learned that the First Amendment of the United States guarantees freedom of speech and of religion. That’s important to me, that I can practice any religion I want. 

“I am proud to be an American. I loved my country, Iraq, but now I am an American woman. My roots are here.”

Read more about Maha's journey

What you can do 

Join our advocacy community to show your commitment and help protect asylum seekers in harm’s way at the U.S. border, resettled refugees and other new Americans, and refugees and displaced people in crisis around the world.