I was born in Iraq and lived there for thirteen years. I immigrated to America in 2014. There have been changes in my life since I came to the United State. From my experience, I have found some major differences between living in the United States and living in Iraq. There are similarities and differences between Iraq and America. America is my new home, but Iraq will always remain in my heart. Safety is the main difference between Iraq and America.

In Iraq, there were no rules to follow. Everyone could drive at any age with no license because there were no cops to watch over people. In addition, kidnapping kids was a common thing that used to happen every single day. When there are no rules, there are more problems and more people dying. Ladies were not allowed to go out by themselves unless a grown up men is with them.

Moreover, I did not feel safe anywhere I went especially on holidays. For example, before going to the church, we suddenly heard a bomb explosion that was planned by the terrorists during the Christmas holiday. In America, the rules are very strict. People are not allowed to drive unless they are sixteen and older. There are no criminals to kidnap kids or cause non-safety problems. I do not feel perfectly save here, however it is much better than Iraq. America is very secure because of its rules and how everyone follows them. Living in Iraq for thirteen years, then moving to America was hard for me to learn new rules.

Habits are a good similarity between Iraq and America. In Iraq, people are so friendly and helpful. They are always willing to help everyone no matter what. For example, when I was in Iraq, our neighbor took me to her house and took care of me for two days until my mom got out from the hospital. The same is true in America. From the moment, I arrived to the airport, my initial impression of American people changed because of the warm greetings that I received. In addition, American people are very friendly in dealing with others under any circumstances. Freedom is another aspect of the characteristics in Iraq and America. In Iraq, girls could not wear anything that shows skin like skirts and sleeveless shirts. They could not even wear tight clothes; they have to be covered up with long sleeve shirt and jeans. In Iraq, we could not practice our religion freely.

There were some states that we could not go to because they were taken by Islamic groups like Isis. If we wanted to visit them or shop there, we would have to wear abbaya (black gown that covers our bodies and heads). That way we could survive without fearing for the safety of our lives. We were not allowed to hang out with their friends except if a family member goes along with them. In addition, they could not date because their family does not let them to; unless they get engaged and marry right the way. In America, girls wear whatever they want without anyone saying a word. During the summer, my parents were shocked of how the girls dress up in the summer.