Alimas

Delegate
Written By Media Relations

Ruremesha Alimas Hussein
Delegate for Northern California
Burundi

Alimas (he/they) is a sophomore majoring in Analytics at the University of California, Berkeley.

Born in Burundi, Alimas fled to South Africa due to political reasons, living there as a refugee for sixteen years. During their time in South Africa, they assimilated into the country by learning its various languages — such as English, IsiZulu, and Afrikaans — and customs. Despite their efforts to integrate as a South African, they still felt that they did not belong. When it came to education, despite significant academic achievements, he could not receive national funding available to citizens.

However, they were determined to pursue higher education and raised awareness at the UNHCR offices about the plight of refugee youth who lack financial means and access to higher education simply because they are refugees.

He was selected for the inaugural cohort of the Duolingo+UNHCR access program, which provided assistance in applying to universities abroad. As the first refugee student from South Africa to embark on this journey to access higher education abroad, both the UNHCR and UC Berkeley have been learning from his experience as he blazes a trail for many more talented refugee students to follow.

In the USA, they have volunteered with other organizations, including the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, advocating for refugees. Alimas understands what it’s like to face problems and feel disenfranchised to the point of being reluctant to seek solutions; but he also understands the importance and power of self-advocacy. As a Delegate, they aim to restore hope to undocumented individuals, asylees, refugees, and other vulnerable migrants, and to instill in them the belief in themselves and in the system, and that there are always solutions to every problem.

He was selected for the inaugural cohort of the Duolingo+UNHCR access program, which provided assistance in applying to universities abroad. As the first refugee student from South Africa to embark on this journey to access higher education abroad, both the UNHCR and UC Berkeley have been learning from his experience as he blazes a trail for many more talented refugee students to follow.

In the USA, he has volunteered with other organizations, including the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, advocating for refugees. Ruremesha understands what it’s like to face problems and feel disenfranchised to the point of being reluctant to seek solutions; but he also understands the importance and power of self-advocacy. As a Delegate, he aims to restore hope to undocumented individuals, asylees, refugees, and other vulnerable migrants, and to instill in them the belief in themselves and in the system, and that there are always solutions to every problem.


More from Alimas

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National Leaders Call for Immediate Restart of Refugee Resettlement Program
National Leaders Call for Immediate Restart of Refugee Resettlement Program

“USRAP opens doors that would have otherwise remained closed, and I’ve dedicated my life to making sure that those doors stay open for others as well,” said Aisha Koroma, Refugee Congress Delegate for Washington, D.C., Assistant Director of Social Integration at HIAS, and a resettled refugee from Sierra Leone. “But I’m just one story. There’s so many Aisha’s out there, including those still in transit, children and families waiting for safety, for stability, and for a chance to rebuild. USRAP is more than a program. It represents lives, dreams, resilience, hope. It is a gateway for future changemakers, doctors, engineers, artists, trades people. People who are ready and eager to become assets to America’s workforce and to contribute meaningfully to its economy and communities.”

The Trump administration continues targeting immigrant communities by revoking protected statuses for Afghans, Cameroonians, and CBP One entrants
The Trump administration continues targeting immigrant communities by revoking protected statuses for Afghans, Cameroonians, and CBP One entrants

“Taking away legal status from hundreds of thousands of people is more than just a policy change; it’s a humanitarian crisis that affects real lives and the hope that brought people here… Behind every revoked status is a story, a family, and a dream. No one should be sent back to danger.”

Two years of conflict in Sudan is a somber reminder of global displacement
Two years of conflict in Sudan is a somber reminder of global displacement

Refugee Congress recognizes the weight of this somber anniversary. We stand with our Sudanese members and neighbors here in the United States, and we call for rapid action by our elected leaders to support the people who are in Sudan and to increase accountability for those who are perpetuating the violence, displacement, and killing of men, women and children.

For speaking opportunities or media inquiries with Ruremesha or other Refugee Congress Delegates, please fill out this contact form or email media@refugeecongress.org.

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