Former Refugees in US to Afghans: 'You Are Not Alone'

This article was originally published by BBC News.

Hundreds of Afghans are starting new lives in the US after escaping the Taliban. What advice do other former refugees living in the US have for them about what's ahead?

When Louisiana resident Dauda Sesay was 16 years old, he watched as his father was executed before his eyes.

He was outside playing with friends when rebels attacked and lined the children up to chop off their hands. His father quickly rushed to the scene to save them.

"He knelt down and pleaded on our behalf, to leave the children alone," he told the BBC. "Those were my dad's last words... unfortunately, he was shot while making his case."

Mr Sesay survived. After being shot in the leg and losing consciousness, international forces rescued him and transported him to Gambia, leaving behind a brutal civil war in Sierra Leone that also claimed the life of his younger sister.

Now in his late 30s, Mr Sesay is one of the more than three million refugees and asylum seekers that have found a new home in the US since 1975.

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