An Iraqi Refugee in Philadelphia

Johina Jama tries to find her way.

By Mariel Waloff
Add Comment Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Dec. 21, 2009

When Johina Jama finally arrived in the United States earlier this year, she was thrilled and relieved. Originally from Basra, Iraq, Johina and her family had spent five long years living as refugees in Jordan, escaping the death threats her husband had received in Iraq. She couldn’t believe their luck when the U.N. granted them refugee status and placed them in Philadelphia.

Now, after eight months of living in Northeast Philadelphia, Johina’s family is happy and safe. The journey, however, has been nowhere near as easy as she thought it would be. The family of five lives in a small, two-bedroom apartment and their downstairs neighbors frequently complain of noisy children. Johina’s husband has only been able to find part-time work at a deli, where he makes minimum wage. Limited by experience and language, neither Johina nor her husband expect to find much better work.

Soon, the temporary health insurance granted to refugees will run out, and Johina will have to stop taking the birth control pills she has been receiving for free. Her children, ages 3 to 10, are learning English and adapting to their new American environment, but the road for adult refugees is infinitely harder.

For more information on Iraqi refugees in Philadelphia contact the Philadelphia Arab-American Community Development Corporation.

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