As a high schooler in Syria in the late 90’s, Mohammad once dreamt of coming to the United States to study and pursue his dreams in the aviation field.
“My family and I discussed a scholarship opportunity they were offering,” he remembers. “But in the end, it didn’t work out. At the time, whoever was given the chance to travel out of the country all depended on the politics and who had power. And we were just normal people.”
Instead he stayed in Syria and was able to study engineering. 2011 marked another milestone. It was the year Mohammad got married and the year a civil war started that changed the course of his life and millions of others.
“It’s a long story and it’s full of difficulties and challenges” says Mohammad when he talks about navigating the war and living as refugees.
Leaving Everything
His young family held on as long as they could in Syria. Mohammad resisted fleeing the country because he needed to stay and ensure his parents were taken care of. But finally in 2016 – five years into Syria’s civil war – life became too difficult. In addition to the violence and instability that forced them to move several times, the value of Syrian currency had plummeted 1,500 percent.
Mohammad made tough the decision to go to a nearby country and seek work, putting his skills as an engineer to use. On the 28th day of his 30-day visa, he found a job and soon brought his family out of Syria to join him.
Second Country Survival
But life there proved unstable as well. To provide for his family, Mohammad had to work six straight days of the week away from home. He lost his initial engineering job and had to do odd jobs and other work to provide income. The region they lived in closed its borders due to security issues, so they had no mobility. When Covid hit, they were quarantined in their home for 48 days straight. Securing adequate medical care was also a challenge.
“When our son was born,” says Mohammad, “He required a lot of special care. He had to be in an incubator for three days. So, I woke up and found myself with no money. I gave it all to the hospital. My wife was recovering. I had to take care of her and the three kids, and the new baby. It was a hard time. But day after day after day, you try to look for the brighter side.”
God’s Timing
Eventually, the labor to survive, adapt, and seek a stable life of opportunity for their family paid off. In 2017 they had applied to be resettled to a third country. Finally, in 2024 they were accepted and assigned to come to the United States. They arrived shortly before the Trump administration effectively closed the resettlement program.
Reflecting on the decades, Mohammad says, “So, in 1999 I had the idea to go to the U.S., but it happened in 2024. I had forgotten about my small dream to come to the US to study back in 1998. But one day, after we got here, I remembered that. And I thought ‘wow.’ You know, it belongs to God. When he decides it’s your time to travel, he’ll give you the chance.”
Rebuilding in the U.S.
Since arriving in the U.S., life has continued to require adjustment and adaptation. Volunteers like you stepped in to provide both initial support when Mohammad’s family arrived, as well as ongoing friendship. A local church hosts after school programs that his kids attend. Policy changes such as delayed Green Card processing for refugees, the threat of having to undergo re-vetting, and the loss of initial support like food stamps have all posed unexpected challenges
Dreams Take Off Again
One bright spot of encouragement came at the beginning of this school year when his daughter, Zena, secured a prestigious high school scholarship. Thousands of students apply, and only a couple from each state are chosen.
In addition to financial benefits, the scholarship provides academic support and individualized guidance to young scholars throughout high school and into college, helping them make decisions about their careers and figure out their dreams.
“Knowing that someone has your back is powerful,” says Zena about her scholarship experience so far. As she speaks, you can feel her enthusiasm. “Especially when you’re in a new country. Your peers try to help, but they don’t always understand everything you’re carrying. Having someone who isn’t even family care about your success and well-being — that means so much.”
Earlier this year Mohammad and Zena traveled out of state to attend a welcome event and meet other scholars from around the country. On the flight, the pilots brought Zena or into the cockpit to show her around as she begins to evaluate one of her current dreams: the prospect of becoming a pilot.
“I do my best to support my family now,” her dad says. “The future is for them.”
Refugee and other immigrant neighbors in Chicagoland need your presence and support more than ever in 2026. During May and June 2026, any financial gift up to $80,000 will be matched to double your impact.