HOW LIVES ARE CHANGING

UWEZO

Bekele, 24, came to the U.S. as an infant

and lives with significant medical challenges, relying on his mother as his primary caregiver. When he began the process to obtain his Certificate of Citizenship, his family feared the interview notice could be an ICE check in and what that might mean for his safety. MIRA guided them through each step, prepared them for the interview, and provided reassurance throughout the process. With this support, Bekele secured his citizenship, gaining stability, protection, and a stronger sense of belonging.

I was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I am now a U.S. citizen.

When I first come here, they give me the first job is not the job that I really did like, but I did do it. And then since I didn’t like the job I was doing, I went to JVS and I took some classes, after JVS I went to the International Institute of New England, and they helped me with a service industry program and hospitality classes. After I graduated, I applied for a job I really like, now I’m working at a hotel, at the front desk. I think we should welcome all immigrants and refugees because they really really contribute to grow our economy, because they are hardworking – even in the time of COVID, most people were staying at home but all the immigrants were out there working, to help build America. They really love America, they all want to accomplish their American dream  . . . it’s a good thing to welcome them and make them feel safe.