Mahamud’s Story

A Long Journey to Reunite a Family

Palpable joy and excitement were in the air as Mahamud embraced his wife and five daughters outside the airport baggage carousel after nearly eight years apart.

“You have no idea how happy I am,” he repeated while hugging and kissing his family.

When Mahamud arrived in the U.S., he never anticipated waiting almost a decade for the rest of his family to accompany him. An obstacle-filled journey brought the family from Somalia to South Africa, then back to Somalia, and on to Sudan and then Ethiopia before Minnesota. Some may have lost hope during the worldwide traveling and years of waiting, but Mahamud never gave up despite setback after setback.

“I thought everything would be quick at first. I was not expecting it to take almost eight years. I’m a Muslim, so I believe whatever the timing is, it will come. I believed I will see my kids in the U.S,” he said.

In South Africa, Mahamud and his wife made the difficult decision for him to come alone to the U.S. after his application was accepted but hers was not. His first destination in America was Columbia, Missouri. While there, he aspired to more opportunities than the small college town in the heartland could offer. Luckily, his sister lived in Minnesota, so he was off to the land of 10,000 lakes in 2019.

All the while, Mahamud would send the money he earned working as a machine operator and Uber driver back to his family in Africa.

“If my kids got sick, I sent them money. It was a tough life. I spent a lot of money in order to succeed and be united in America,” he explained.

I thought everything would be quick at first. I was not expecting it to take almost eight years.

In February 2020, the family was in Sudan and approved to join Mahamud in Minnesota. However, a presidential proclamation was issued that same month, which barred immigration from Sudan. Undeterred, the family moved to Ethiopia to gain entry from there, but faced yet another travel barrier: the COVID-19 pandemic.

The final hurdle in reuniting Mahamud and his family would be the most difficult. They were scheduled to arrive in Minnesota a week before one daughter’s visa was set to expire, but a technicality canceled their flight. With so little time to reschedule the trip before Visa expiration, the reunification appeared to be off the table. But again, Mahamud remained steadfast and determined.

Thanks to help from federal immigration agencies, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and Institute staff, the family’s case was expedited and their trip was rescheduled for the next day.

“[Institute staff] were so helpful. They are remarkable,” Mahamud said gratefully.

Throughout the years apart, Mahamud, a naturally social person, found solace and community in local soccer clubs. He couldn’t contain his excitement when telling soccer stories and proudly showed a video of him scoring a goal.

I need my young ones to go to school, and my two daughters to go to college. I am a man who will be a busy father and that is my dream.

To prepare for his family’s arrival, Mahamud quickly secured a new apartment that could fit his family. In recounting the arduous reunification process, he explains how tough the last seven-plus years were, living alone while waiting for his family. Even though he was able to visit them while they stayed in Ethiopia, nothing compares to having everyone living under the same roof. Mahamud now focuses on the future and providing for his children.

“I need my young ones to go to school, and my two daughters to go to college,” he said. “I am a man who will be a busy father and that is my dream.”