Abdi Nor Iftin, a Somali refugee who lived in a Nairobi slum, won a rare U.S. visa in 2013. Out of eight million applicants, 50,000 were chosen each year under the diversity visa lottery, a program started in the 1990s.
He dreamed of America from childhood, studying English and Hollywood films until he earned the nickname Abdi America from friends.
Arriving in Maine, he worked installing insulation, became a U.S. citizen, but lost a later job with a refugee agency and the health insurance that came with it.
Across the country, poll results reveal only about 33 percent of Americans still believe the dream lives on. Young voices like 24‑year‑old actor Luke Mullen highlight a shrinking number of film opportunities in Hollywood.
The original vision of the American Dream, coined in the 1930s, promised equal opportunity beyond class barriers. Yet history shows that the message never reached every group, from slaves to women.
Today, immigration rules tighten and economic inequality rises. Since 2008, job stability and home ownership are harder than ever, a trend that makes success feel out of reach for many.
Still, stories of optimism persist. For example, Austin‑based clerk Brandon Patty says the dream gives him hope, and a Canadian‑citizen brother of Abdi praises Canada’s better healthcare system.
Older generations and Republicans often cling to the dream, while only one in five among 18‑to‑29 year olds see it as attainable.
Despite doubts, many scholars argue the dream remains alive in spirit. It offers a future mindset that can be reshaped to fit modern challenges.
If you want more on how different voices feel about America’s promise, join the podcast series that dives into the legacy and future of the dream.
