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Their stories: Refugees from Iraq, Cuba, Afghanistan

Arizona's refugee community is diverse, both in what countries people have come from as well as why they had to leave home. This is a look at the stories of refugees from Afghanistan, Cuba and Iraq.

<p>Hiyam Shuwaili, 24, and Ameer, 6</p>

Arizona's refugee community is diverse, both in what countries people have come from as well as why they had to leave home. This is a look at the stories of refugees from Afghanistan, Cuba and Iraq.

Name: Hiyam Shuwaili, 24, Muhammad Hussein, 33, Ameer 6, Ryan, 6 months
Country of Origin: Iraq
Years in the U.S.: 6 months

When asked what they like about the US, Hiyam says: “It's safe.”

Story: Hiyam's husband, Muhammad was a former soldier. Now they are trying to raise their young family here in the U.S.

Name: Fatemeh Atae, 33
Country of Origin: Afghanistan
Years in the U.S.: 5 years

What she likes about the U.S.: When asked about what she likes in the U.S., she uttered two words: democracy and freedom.

What she misses about home: She came to the U.S. with her husband and four children, but left behind her parents, three sisters, and three brothers that are all still in Afghanistan.

Name: Dani Lopez de Moya, 38, with daughter Annie Frances
Country of Origin: Cuba
Years in the U.S.: Arrived January 31, 2015

Why he left Cuba: “Fidel Castro, dictator.”

What he likes about the U.S.: Dani has a job working as a ‘matadero’ or butcher. Despite his humble earnings, he says he is able to sustain a house, he has a car and some money to spend. Most of all, he says, now there is a future for his children.

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