Haroon Al Hayder, 31, felt an overwhelming sense of joy when he became a U.S. citizen in 2023, just after his son was born. “It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe,” he said. “Being able to vote as an American citizen really brought genuine happiness to my heart.”
Al Hayder, originally from Iraq, arrived in the U.S. with his family in 2016, fleeing the violence against the Yazidi community by ISIS. After settling in Fargo, North Dakota, for several years, he earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies in Minnesota. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. There, he is raising his family, pursuing a master’s degree in communication studies, and working as a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
As Americans cast their votes in the 2024 election, Al Hayder reflected on how his time in higher education helped him prepare for the political process. “I make sure to gather information and consult with experts, especially those knowledgeable about public policy and voting rights,” he explained.
He not only researched candidates for his own benefit but also made sure his family was registered to vote. “It’s not just about me; it’s about ensuring my family is involved too,” he said.
For Al Hayder, voting is a responsibility he feels deeply, especially as an immigrant. “I empathize with other immigrants and refugees who don’t always have the opportunity to vote,” he noted. “It’s a privilege I don’t take for granted.”
However, he also pointed out the challenges immigrants face in the voting process, especially with language barriers. “Many come here having lost hope in the election process, due to what they’ve experienced in their home countries,” he said. “That makes education even more important, particularly in today’s climate of misinformation and political polarization.”
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