Abdinasir Kahin
Pay-It-Forward Awardee

For nearly two decades, Abdinasir Kahin has provided free support to Somali and East African immigrants and asylum seekers in Chicago, drawing on his own experience as an asylum seeker who arrived in the United States in 2001 and was granted asylum in 2006. After experiencing homelessness and hardship before receiving support from compassionate Americans and community organizations,, Kahin dedicated himself to helping others navigate immigration proceedings, access resources, find employment, and build new lives in their communities. . His multilingual skills, community relationships and longstanding partnerships with immigration advocates have made him a trusted resource for immigrants and asylum seekers throughout Chicago.
Chicago, Illinois
September 23, 2026
Pay-It-Forward
Award
Awarded to:
National Immigrant Justice Center
Individual award recipients are not eligible for a grant, but can “pay it forward” by recommending a values-aligned organization to receive a grant. When an individual receives a “Pay It Forward” award, they are invited to recommend a grant to a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in their community that is aligned with the values of the project. “Pay It Forward” recipients are typically awarded to one or several individuals for personal acts of courage




