I was born and raised in Iraq. I moved to America from Iraq in 2014. My life has changed a lot since I moved to America. In my experience, there are some significant differences between living in America and Iraq. Iraq and America share many similarities, but also have some differences. Iraq will remain a special place in my heart even though I now call America my home. Iraq and America are different in terms of safety.

In Iraq, no one had any rules. No police were present to supervise people. Therefore, anyone could drive any age without a driving license. Kidnapping children was also a daily occurrence. Without rules, problems increase and people are killed. It was forbidden for women to leave the house without a male companion.

In addition, I never felt safe wherever I went. This was especially true during holidays. Before going to church, for example, we heard an explosion planned by terrorists on Christmas day. The rules in America are strict. In America, driving is only allowed for those who are 16 years or older. There aren’t any criminals that would kidnap your children or cause other problems. It is not perfect, but it’s better than Iraq. The rules of the United States and the way everyone adheres to them makes it a very safe place. After 13 years in Iraq, I found it difficult to adapt to the new rules.

Iraqi and American habits are very similar. The people of Iraq are very friendly and helpful. Everyone is always willing to lend a hand. Our neighbor, who was my neighbor in Iraq, took me to her home for two full days while my mother recovered from the hospital. In America, the same thing is true. As soon as I arrived in the airport, the friendly greetings changed my first impression. In addition, the American people treat others with great friendliness in all circumstances. The freedom of both Iraq and America is also a characteristic. Girls in Iraq were not allowed to wear skirts or sleeveless tops that showed skin. Girls in Iraq could not wear anything tight; long sleeves and jeans were required to cover them up. In Iraq, it was impossible to practice religion.

We were not allowed to visit certain states because they had been taken over by islamic groups such as Isis. We would need to wear an abbaya to shop or visit these states. So we would not have to worry about our safety. We were only allowed to hang around with friends when a relative accompanied them. As well, their families do not allow them to date unless the couple gets engaged. In America girls are allowed to wear what they like without anyone speaking a single word. My parents were surprised by the way girls dressed up during the summer.