Beyond Borders: Stories of Refuge and Reform
Navigating a Refugee Crisis (From 2015 to Present)

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Rome, Italy, Summer 2016

I set out to Rome to document the profound stories of those experiencing the 2010s refugee crisis in southern Europe. Through collaboration with Temple University Rome and the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center, I established connections and gathered insights to offer policy recommendations for positive change.

These images mirror the displacement sentiments resulting from political turmoil, nearsighted policymaking, and poor economic infrastructure.

Each frame is a visual testament to the multifaceted layers of the EU refugee crisis in Rome (and shown later, in Athens). I aim to show the humanity of the individuals experiencing it, who tirelessly advocate for empathy, understanding, and meaningful change, for themselves and their new communities in this strange land they now call home.

Ayoub

He left Pakistan to follow his dreams as a computer scientist and engineer. For many years he lived at the refugee camp outside of Rome. After two years, many left the camp due to the lack of opportunity it provided. He and other fellow refugees live as roommates in apartments scattered around Rome. Oftentimes, Ayoub will take in a fellow traveler, especially if they are a Pakistani refugee like himself, in solidarity. About a week after meeting him at this cafe in Termini station, he left by bus for Dusseldorf.

Termini Station, Rome, Italy (2016)

Film

Waidad

A man of exceptional character, Waidad first came to Europe during the height of the Iraq War. In his home country of Iraq, he was an engineer and a father of two children. Linguistically, he speaks 12 languages(!)

He managed to make it into the EU by boat from Turkey to Lesvos, Greece by paying a fisherman to take him and several refugees from the Arab world. After being unable to find work in Patras, Greece, he came to Rome. He has unfortunately suffered the same fate as in Greece - no employment, even less kindness.

According to EU Law, if migration authorities are not present at the time of arrival into the EU, it is exceptionally difficult to obtain asylum status. For that reason, Waidad could not receive the amenities and protections that other refugees were granted. In many ways, Waidad is the legal equivalent of a homeless illegal alien. He hopes that in due time, legislation will change and more relief will be given to those struggling to find a new life like himself.

Termini Station, Rome, Italy

Film

Lamin

We spoke of his brief yet tumultuous time in Rome as a refugee from the Gambia. Life in a refugee camp on the outskirts of Rome has been a great challenge for him.

Since he first landed on the shores of Calabria in southern Italy, he has been unable to find stable employment in Rome due to prejudice he receives from his citizenship status. Therefore, he relies on the minimal financial assistance that SIPQR gives him, which amounts to 40 Euros per month. Lamin misses the Gambia and awaits the day that he can return. For now, he prays that his life in Europe will improve.

Termini Station, Rome, Italy

Film

Notes on the Social and Political Implications of Refugee Status (2016)

Pre-Supper

Preparing a summer afternoon meal. Meals are traditionally shared while sitting on the floor. Each individual provided a dish of their own culture, coupled with bread and rice.

Battistini, Rome, Italy

Film

Our Bedroom After the War

This bedroom and its amenities were passed down by other refugees who emigrated to Rome. Taped on the wall is their daughter’s drawings.

Battistini, Rome, Italy

Film

Life in Athens as a Migrant

Athens, Greece, Summer 2022

After a few years of hiatus, I continued my series. This time, I collected oral stories, data, and photographs from refugees based in Athens. I partnered with four Athens-based nonprofits whose mission is to tackle food insecurity and the migrant crisis. My goal is to gain perspective on the controversial effects of asylum policymaking on migrants and locals alike.

Children and families who have escaped war, political conflict, and economic despair risked their safety to come to Greece and create a quiet life for themselves. For some migrants, Greece is their final destination. Greece is a country blessed with the efforts of the sun, the sea, and its valiant people. For others, it is yet another stop on their long journey for comfort and salvation.

In collaboration with the Greek America Foundation, Boroume, Emantes, and the Greek Council for Refugees (UNHCR), and alongside the invaluable partnership of organizations like Boroume and Emantes, I spearheaded a research initiative that involved the meticulous gathering of ethnographic surveys and the creation of a captivating visual narrative through photography. My photography all documented my interactions with migrant women, children, and families.

Over a few weeks, I developed a bond with the younger clients. In the children’s vulnerable states, fearful of who to trust, filled with anxiety, and grappling with uncertainty, they sought solace in their female maternal-like translators, teachers, and counselors who possess the ability to soothe them simply with gentle words in the child’s mother tongue. Amidst this fragile situation, the children, particularly the elder siblings, displayed defensive yet social behavior. Yet, their resilience shone brightly, facing adversity and choosing bravery everyday.

What struck me the most was how easily the children were able to learn Greek. As a researcher and educational volunteer, I was tasked with teaching the children Greek for those who were still learning, while also filling the language barriers with bouts of English. Remarkably, I found myself not only imparting knowledge but also improving my Greek proficiency skills as well! Whether they came from Urdu, Lingala, Ukranian, Russian, or Arabic-speaking backgrounds, their fluency was often surprisingly natural and confident.

Entities like the Greek America Foundation aim to fill the gaps in funding for vital organizations like those mentioned previously. Greek Americans who feel impacted and motivated by helping Greeks and migrants alike progress vowed to restore the buildings that they utilize to teach and offer support to clients.

PHOTOS: Volunteers were tasked with repainting the Plateia of Nea Smyrni to beautify the neighborhood.
Left Image: Volunteer repainting the Greek Council for Refugees UNHCR administrative office in Athens, Greece.