For this former refugee, voting is an act of hope

Methusella Rwabose grew up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during a violent time. At a young age, he was surrounded by chaos due to escalating conflicts between rival militia groups and the national army. In 2008, Methusella and his family were forced to flee their village and sought refuge in Uganda, where they would live in a refugee camp for the next seven years. In 2015, after years of hoping and dreaming of a brighter future, Methusella’s family was selected for resettlement to the United States.

Today, Methusella is a college graduate and a new U.S. citizen who is voting in his first presidential election. USA for UNHCR sat down with Methusella to talk about how his experience as a refugee influenced his decision to become a citizen and about his excitement for voting in the upcoming election.

Why did you want to become a citizen of the United States?

I wanted to become a U.S. citizen because I don’t just want to live in the U.S.; I want to belong. It's always great when you feel like you belong to a community and a place, and I think becoming a citizen affirms that. I want to feel like I belong here and also have the ability to shape the future of this country by casting my vote because that vote is my voice.

What was the process of becoming a citizen like?

The journey wasn’t just about paperwork—it was about resilience and determination. The process has its twists and turns, sometimes feeling lost but always moving forward. Every delay and every obstacle reminded me of why my parents decided to move here: not just a passport, but a home and a future. It’s the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

Now that you are a citizen, you can vote. How does that make you feel?

Voting isn’t just a right; it’s a victory. I’ve lived in places where democracy was a distant dream, where the powerful made decisions for the powerless. It’s irresponsible for one to be a citizen and not participate in their democracy because so many people who came before us died in order for many people in this country to have this right to vote.

Why do you think voting and staying active in your community is so important?

Voting is power. It’s the difference between being a spectator and a participant in shaping the world around you. Coming from a place where our futures were decided without us, I know that the act of voting is an act of resistance and of hope. And staying active in my community? That’s how we make sure our stories, our struggles, and our hopes are heard, not just in election years, but every single day.

How do you feel when you reflect on your journey from refugee to U.S. citizen? 

When I look back, I don’t just see my own footsteps—I see the faces of those who couldn’t make the journey. I carry them with me, and that makes the journey sacred. From refugee to U.S. citizen, it’s a story of survival, yes, but also of transformation. I didn’t just change countries; I became part of something larger than myself. Reflecting on that, I feel both humbled and unstoppable.

Who are the political heroes that inspire you?

I’m drawn to leaders who turn pain into purpose. Nelson Mandela, who walked out of prison with peace in his heart. Malala Yousafzai, who took a bullet and turned it into a platform for millions of women around the globe. Patrice Lumumba, who I often wonder how the world would be if he was given a chance to live. In America, figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama inspire me because they didn’t just fight for equality—they embodied the belief that a better world is possible if we’re brave enough to build it. Their courage gives me the strength to use my newfound voice with conviction. 

How to Help

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, supports the full journey of refugees who have been forced to flee violence, war and persecution. Our donors help refugees in their greatest time of need, and their support builds awareness for resettled refugees living in the U.S. Refugees like Methusella who have woven themselves into the fabric of American society and are making lasting contributions to their communities. With your help, more refugees will have the opportunity to build peaceful lives and give their families a bright future.