Summary of "Fathia Absie: My Sister’s Keeper" - The Moth Podcast

Introduction

In the April 3, 2012 episode of The Moth titled "My Sister’s Keeper," storyteller Fatiha Absiya shares a poignant and gripping account of her journey from Somalia to the United States and the relentless fight to save her sister from deportation. Delivered live on stage, Fatiha's narrative delves deep into themes of family, resilience, and the pursuit of the American dream amidst overwhelming adversity.

Arrival in the United States

Fatiha begins her story at the tender age of 14, recounting her arrival at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. ([02:13]). She narrates the heartbreaking moment when an immigration officer informs her that her visa had expired by eight hours, leading to an immediate threat of deportation. "I just looked at her with this sadness...And she said, go. Just go. Go, go, go," Fatiha recalls ([04:00]). Overwhelmed with emotion, she describes her desperate attempt to find solace, culminating in an encounter with a Somali cab driver who would become instrumental in her journey. This compassionate stranger helps her connect with a family willing to take her in, providing her a crucial foothold in a new country.

Building a New Life and Sponsoring Family

Despite the traumatic start, Fatiha adjusts to life in America, obtaining asylum which grants her a green card. This status empowers her to sponsor her entire family—ten siblings and both parents—to join her in the United States. "It was just incredible...I felt whole," she shares ([10:45]). However, her family's arrival coincides with escalating turmoil back home in Somalia. The outbreak of civil war devastates her homeland, claiming lives and displacing millions, including her loved ones.

Struggles with Family and the Decline of Her Sister Muna

As Fatiha attempts to balance her responsibilities in the U.S. with her family's plight in Somalia, personal tragedies strike. The loss of her 19-year-old sister and father deeply affects her, but the most harrowing challenge comes with her youngest sister, Muna. Muna spirals into a life of drugs, juvenile detention, and mental health struggles, ultimately leading to her disappearance for six months. Fatiha reveals the toll these events take on her, expressing, "There's just so much that one person can take" ([15:20]).

The Deportation Crisis

Fatiha's fears materialize when Muna faces deportation back to Somalia, a country now under the control of the extremist group Al Shabaab. On March 3, 2009, Muna is forcibly taken to Dallas National Airport with the intent to send her to Mogadishu. Desperate to save her, Fatiha describes her frantic efforts to intervene: "I started making phone calls...I started calling Mogadishu, the airport" ([16:30]). She navigates a bureaucratic nightmare, reaching out to immigration attorneys, airport authorities, and even Somali officials. Notably, she recounts a crucial conversation with a Somali airport official who declares, "We're not going to allow her off the plane" ([17:00]).

Resolution and Reunion

After 17 agonizing days, Fatiha receives the life-changing news that her sister will be allowed to stay in the United States. The overwhelming relief is palpable as she states, "We all cried and jumped for joy" ([17:08]). This triumph underscores Fatiha's unwavering determination and the complex interplay of immigration policies that ultimately grant her sister a second chance.

Reflections on the American Dream

Fatiha concludes her story by reflecting on her deep appreciation for the United States, which she describes as a beacon of hope and a land of second chances. "I realized in no place else in the world would a story like this with an ending like that be possible other than the United States of America, the greatest nation in the world," she affirms ([17:50]). Her narrative not only highlights personal resilience but also critiques and celebrates the broader immigration system that can both challenge and empower individuals seeking a better life.

Conclusion

Fatiha Absiya's "My Sister’s Keeper" is a powerful testament to familial bonds and the relentless pursuit of justice within the often tumultuous landscape of immigration. Through her vivid storytelling, she invites listeners to empathize with her struggles and triumphs, offering a nuanced perspective on what it means to seek and secure a place in a country far from home.

Notable Quotes

• "I've always felt like this was my country. Please don't send me back." ([02:45])
• "I felt like the love of my life had just broken my heart." ([16:50])
• "The country that I love so much restored my faith and gave my sister a second chance." ([17:05])

Acknowledgments

Fatiha Absiya's story was initially shared in a brief format at a Moth pit, impressing the hosts enough to bring her to New York City for the full narrative. She continues her work as a freelance writer and filmmaker, further exploring the lives of Somali Americans through her documentaries and feature films.

For more inspiring stories, visit themoth.org and consider sharing your own experiences to be featured on a future episode.