Preparing for Congress, Ilhan Omar Reflects On Being a Refugee

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.

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.

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.

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