DALLAS–Have you ever thought about what it would be like if you were forced to leave your home? Not asked, but forced?

It happens every day to many people.

60 million people in the world are currently refugees: forced to leave their country to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.
More than half are children.

Conflicts all around the world have created the biggest wave of immigrants since World War II.

In the U.S., we celebrate all the rich cultures who are now part of our country.

“It’s a big deal you know? I can make changes in my country. Right now, America is my country as a citizen. I really try to protect America and protect the rules, respect the laws,” Iran refugee, Miriam Daneshazar said.

World Refugee Day began in 2001 and takes place every June. The goal is to create awareness and raise money to support one of the hardest transitions any of us ever have to go through.

The Lone Star State leads the nation in new digs for refugees.Dallas trails only Houston as the top spot to settle.

The Dallas refugee forum has linked up with the Northwest Community Center to have a festival of events for refugees and the public alike!

“We are so proud to be part of their journey here, to be part of the hopeful part of their journey.  They finally get to have a place to set down roots. Their kids can go to school. They can get jobs. They can thrive in their communities. They offer so much to the Dallas area and it’s really wonderful to be a part of that in their process, ” said Kayla Parker,  Communications and Development Associate with Refugee Services of Texas.

The event included a naturalization celebration, voter registration drive, and educational service fair.

They’re just small ways we can help all refugees learn to dream again.