Yemenis have developed themselves, finding and creating homes in the United States. Most young adults who moved to the United States in the 60s and 70s aimed at creating a better lifestyle for themselves and that of their families. They were able to overcome those challenges and earn a living through their hard work.
Through this, some of these young adults were able to bring their families to the United States and reunite with them. Many young women who could not get a formal education were able to get an education and progressed into various careers, create a better living, and make a contribution to the US economy. Most of all, they were able to make a difference in their families.
Today Yemenis in the United States are more aware of their rights through AMEMSA communities. Jehan Hakim, a community advocate in San Francisco, has played a big role in ensuring that the Yemeni community is well represented in politics. With her partners, she has handled issues with regards to immigration, civil rights, national security, and other issues related to law. As a result of her efforts and that of her partners, most Yemenis are more informed on US policies that affect them and, at the same time, understand their role in politics through the investment they make and the power they have as a community.
This meant better education opportunities for their children, especially females. Men would not understand how possible would it be to educate a girl child. This is a story that is very familiar with Muhamed Althaibani. He left his family back at home. He worked hard to bring his family to join him in the United States. The men back at home could not understand how he would possibly do that for the purpose of educating his daughters. His daughters today are educated and contribute a great deal to the US government through their services and taxes. This is also a realization of Muhamed Althaibani’s dream of being able to make a difference in their people’s lives which they have.
Zolikha Kaid, on the other hand, migrated to the US in the early 80s. She was twice divorced and had three children from her previous marriages. She was a victim of ridicule due to her divorcee status. She was an aggressive sales lady and sold anything that she could get her hands on. Her daughter has high regard for her bravery, especially her resilience to stand against all odds to go back to elementary school with her daughters. These are just some of the success stories that the world is yet to hear about Yemenis in the United States.
“It is pleasure to stand here before you and represent a long generation of Yemeni American small business owners who have contributed to the success of this country for decades” is part of a speech that was given by Huda Quhshi, a Yemeni woman who lives in the United States. She successfully opened the very first Hijabi friendly salon in New York City. She was in July 2017 honored NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer for the business especially now that there has a great rally of anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant. The business gives women an opportunity to feel safe more so the Muslim women.
