Thousands of refugees fleeing Syria and other conflict­-ridden countries are continuing to risk a dangerous sea journey to the Greek island of Lesbos in small boats, even as cold weather approaches.

24-year-old Farhad from Afghanistan has a job, goes to college and is on his way to becoming a dental assistant. None of this would be possible without a car.

Refugees and asylum seekers aren’t numbers, but people with lives you would recognize. They are mothers, fathers, daughters and sons. They are neighbors, teachers, students, employees and business owners. They are also your closest friends. We asked refugees resettled in the U.S. and their neighbors how they became friends, what they learned from each other and why more Americans should welcome newcomers. Explore more stories.

David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee and, talks to Business Insider about the myths about refugee resettlement in the United States. Contrary to conventional wisdom, refugees welcomed to the United States come from all over the world, represent a diversity of religions, and are invariably hard-working and successful. Read more about seven common myths about refugees who come to the U.S.