It was a bittersweet memory as the Minnesota Democrat landed at the same Washington airport she arrived at as a refugee
WASHINGTON, DC – Minnesota Democrat Representative-elect Ilhan Omar arrived in Washington DC airport a day before the Congress swearing in ceremony, Huffington Post reported.
“23 years ago, from a refugee camp in Kenya, my father and I arrived at an airport in Washington DC. Today, we return to that same airport on the eve of my swearing in as the first Somali-American in Congress. #Hope #Ilhan,” she tweeted.
In November 2018, Ilhan Omar was elected as the first Somali-American (and hijab-wearing) Congresswoman in the US.
Omar’s journey to become the US first Somali-American Muslim lawmaker began in a refugee camp in Kenya when her family was escaping Somalia’s brutal civil war.
23 years ago, from a refugee camp in Kenya, my father and I arrived at an airport in Washington DC.
Today, we return to that same airport on the eve of my swearing in as the first Somali-American in Congress. #Hope #Ilhan ?? pic.twitter.com/jVeP3DOipN
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 2, 2019
In 2016, Omar was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, as a Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party member.
Omar’s father shared a similar message on Facebook.
Her message on twitter did not go unnoticed.
Driving to DC for your swearing in @IlhanMN! See this tweet and reading to my husband made me choke up and both our eyes swelled with tears! So proud of you and our community achievements! #hope #Ilhan https://t.co/VaBG3HZ2Nv
— Dr.Debbie Almontaser (@DebbiAlmontaser) January 2, 2019
Now here is an American story, a refugee story, and a House of Representatives story. Will be proud to be sworn in tomorrow with you @IlhanMN https://t.co/QBvVsaCvD7
— Jim Himes (@jahimes) January 3, 2019
two days ago, a hijab-wearing Muslim woman told me that Ilhan Omar’s election was what gave her hope in 2018. the symbolism isn’t everything, but it matters — to so many people. https://t.co/Ycvn501O0o
— مريم (@MaryamSaleh) January 3, 2019
Assuming control of the House of Representatives on Thursday, Democrats will change the ban on head coverings to one that excludes only “non-religious” headwear.
The rule change will allow Omar to wear the hijab, a practice of her Islamic faith, while she is on the House floor to either vote or make speeches.
After 181 Years of No Hats, Hijab to be Allowed in US Congress