Muna’s journey from a struggling babysitter to a successful business owner highlights the resilience of immigrants and the vital role they play in American society.
Muna is one of many Somalis who have sought refuge in the United States under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) since the onset of civil war in Somalia in 1991, a conflict that has claimed the lives of as many as 1 million people. Arriving in San Diego in 1999 with her 6-month-old baby, Muna faced the daunting challenge of starting anew in a foreign land, knowing no one and having little to her name. Undeterred, she knocked on doors in search of babysitting jobs.
For the next four years, Muna worked tirelessly in 20 different households as a nanny and housekeeper, often sleeping on the floor. Her starting wage was a meager $6.45 per hour. “When people see you don’t have nothing, they can do anything,” she recalled. Despite the hardships, Muna remained committed to her family and her goals.
However, the challenges intensified when her daughter faced bullying from the boys in the households where they worked. “I didn’t mind—but when they started hitting my daughter it was too much,” Muna said, reflecting on the difficulties she encountered while trying to provide for her family.
During her time in domestic work, Muna also managed to find a retail job at a nearby store. This dual employment allowed her to save enough money to rent an apartment, marking a significant step toward stability. As she progressed in her retail career, she eventually became a store manager. Along the way, she met and married a U.S. citizen, welcomed a second daughter, and achieved naturalization in 2023.
In 2018, ready to embark on a new chapter, Muna decided to start her own business in childcare. She opened a small daycare center in her home, initially licensed to care for eight children at a time. Her business quickly flourished, with afternoon slots consistently full. “I have to turn people away,” she noted, highlighting the demand for her services. Muna is now saving to purchase a larger home to expand her daycare capacity, with her daughter assisting her in this endeavor.
As the owner and operator of her daycare, Muna takes on a variety of responsibilities. She cares for infants, transports children to and from school, organizes outings to the park and library, and helps with homework. In addition to her business, she serves on the board of Global Village, a housing project currently in development, and volunteers with the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans, where she assists new refugees in their transition to life in the U.S.
For the first time since arriving in America, Muna now enjoys weekends off. “In the seven years, I know what the Saturday-Sunday thing is,” she said with a laugh. “It’s so nice, so nice.”
Muna’s story exemplifies the resilience and determination that many immigrants display as they navigate the challenges of building a new life in America. Her journey underscores the essential role that immigrant women often play as caretakers, not only for their families but also for the children of others. “Everything is hard,” she said. “Nothing is easy to become an American and get your papers.”
Her experience reflects the broader narrative of immigrants in the United States, who contribute significantly to the economy and society while overcoming immense obstacles. Muna’s success is a testament to her hard work and the support systems she has built along the way, showcasing the potential for growth and achievement in the face of adversity.
According to the American Immigration Council, Muna’s journey is just one of many that illustrate the resilience of immigrants and the vital contributions they make to their communities.