I never thought I would hold a piece of paper that said I was a recognised citizen of any country. But now, after seven years’ imprisonment in refugee detention, I am no longer known by my boat ID EMP-065. I am Imran.
I can’t find the exact words to describe the feeling of being free. I live in Chicago now, in the most diverse neighbourhood, crowded with many people of different nationalities. Walking out of my home and down the street still warms my heart and gives me hope.
It is going to be extremely difficult to build a life from scratch in this country, but no one can take away from me the feeling of being free.
Plus: Martin McKenzie-Murray on the Thai cave rescue, Karen Middleton on the NAIF and Matt Canavan, chef Annie Smithers on her battle to rebalance the scales, and Sean Kelly on the government’s attention seekers.
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The Saturday Paper
