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Interview for

Alma Kanic-Franco

11/29/2021

Interviewed By:

Amir Duric

Date Interviewed:

Audio Recording of Interview
00:00 / 1:06:16
Summary

A Bosnian refugee who fled at the age of 13, Alma describes a journey that took her to Croatia, Germany, and later the United States. She describes her financial struggles, losing family members during the war, and reconnecting with her spirituality in the United States, as well as finding a Bosnian-American community.

Transcript
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Additional Notes
Outline

Narrator: Alma Kanic-Franco


Content Warning: Violence and genocide.

Summary: A Bosnian refugee who fled at the age of 13, Alma describes a journey that took her to Croatia, Germany, and later the United States. She describes her financial struggles, losing family members during the war, and reconnecting with her spirituality in the United States, as well as finding a Bosnian-American community.

Topics: Family, Religion, Childhood, Politics, War, Discrimination, Financial Struggles, Cultural Adjustment, Career, Immigration Process


Outline

Section 1: (00:00-11:09)

  • Childhood, War - Grew up in Bosnia, but had to flee at age 13 when war began in 1992.

  • Immigration, Family - Ended up in Croatia at first, and then arrived in Germany with the help of an uncle.

Section 2: (11:09-22:44)

  • Mental Health, Family - Had to leave extended family in Bosnia, which led to anxiety and sadness.

  • Immigration - Lived in a refugee camp in Germany where conditions were poor.

  • Family - Invited to dinner with a German family after helping to reorganize the refugee camp; the family helped them move to an apartment.

  • Extended family was able to come to Germany as well.

Section 3: (22:44-29:24)

  • Education, Cultural Adjustment - Began attending school, but faced a language barrier.

  • Financial Struggles - Refugees were not allowed to hold jobs, but the German family helped them find jobs and become self-sufficient

Section 4: (29:24-42:25)

  • War - Lost many family members during the Srebrenica Massacre.

  • Family, Immigration Process - Could not return to war-torn hometown, but could not stay in Germany either.

  • Family sought refuge in the US with the help of an uncle.

  • Cultural adjustment - US was very different from what was expected, but people were supportive and friendly.

Section 4: (42:25)

  • Religion - Faith motivated people to help refugees, and seeing that faith reignited Alma’s spirituality.

  • Religion - Religious freedom was limited under socialism, but they were able to reconnect with religion after resettling.

  • Community, Family - Connected with the Bosnian community in America.

  • Politics, Future - Opposes the politicization of refugees and hopes for more humanity.

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