Ismael’s experience is a prime example of how difficult it was to successfully be resettled. Ismael is a member of the Bajuni tribe in Southern Somalia. Kakuma was not safe for his family. Several Bajunis had been killed in Kakuma. His Father knew a Somali man connected with the UNHCR office in Nairobi, who helped them talk to the UNHCR.
Although parts of Ismael’s story are unique, such as his family’s instrumental role in gaining recognition for their tribe, other parts are typical of the resettlement experience. Various problems could delay the process of resettlement. Some of these were common, such as required medical and security exams that expire annually, or refugees being uncertain about how much information to disclose about family currently in the United States. Others are more unusual cases, such as a baby being listed on a terrorist watch list and needing additional security clearance, or DNA testing for an individual that does not look like the rest of their family.[44] Resettlement was and is a complex process.
