Context of the American Dream
The episode is part of a series exploring how the US has shaped the modern world, focusing on the American Dream as a powerful idea.
1The Global Story
Abdi Nor Iftin's Journey: The American Dream
A listener guide to the story of Abdi Nor Iftin, a Somali refugee who won a US green card lottery, exploring the complexities of the American Dream.
Listen to the source episode
The Global Story: Abdi’s American Dream
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What to know before you press play.
Abdi Nor Iftin's Background
Abdi Nor Iftin fled conflict in Somalia and was living in a tough neighborhood in Kenya when the BBC first spoke to him in 2014.
3The Green Card Lottery
Winning the US green card lottery appeared to solve Abdi's problems, but it marked the beginning of a new struggle.
4Ask GenPod next
Keep the question moving.
“What specific struggles did Abdi face after winning the green card?”
“How does Abdi's story reflect broader immigration trends?”
“What other stories are featured in The Global Story series?”
Questions
Questions to carry into the episode.
Where was Abdi Nor Iftin living when the BBC first interviewed him?
In one of Kenya's toughest neighborhoods.
3Sources and disclosure
Where this guide comes from.
This guide is based on the episode 'The Global Story: Abdi’s American Dream' from the Global News Podcast, published on 2026-07-03.
- Publisher show notes
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, The Global Story podcast is exploring the surprising and often hidden ways the US has shaped the modern world. One of the most powerful and enduring American ideas is that of the American Dream.
- Publisher show notes
In this episode, Asma Khalid hears the story of one extraordinary American Dream seeker.
- Publisher show notes
The BBC first spoke to Abdi Nor Iftin in 2014, when he was living in one of Kenya's toughest neighbourhoods after fleeing conflict in Somalia.
- Publisher show notes
When he won the US green card lottery his problems seemed to be solved – but it turned out to be the start of a whole new struggle.
- Publisher show notes
The Global Story tells in-depth stories from where the world and America meet. For more episodes, just search 'The Global Story' wherever you get your BBC Podcasts.
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