Fled from Iran
In Iran he was a successful developer and builder. But Amir (not his real name) was also a member of the persecuted Baha'i faith. After enduring death threats, he paid a smuggler to sneak him and his family out of Iran. In 2003 Amir and his family entered the U.S. as political refugees. They settled in San Diego, where Amir found work as a handyman. But he dreamed of running his own business again. "It is hard to work for other people," says Amir, 43.
His dream came true in March 2005, when the IRC loaned him $10,000 to buy a truck and tools.
--Eilene Zimmerman
