Marina Ferhatovic recounts her journey as a young refugee fleeing war-torn Bosnia in the 1990s, highlighting the difficulties faced by children who must prove their ties to Sweden to avoid deportation. Ferhatovic criticizes existing regulations that often lead to uncertainty and anxiety among refugee children, as these policies rarely yield positive outcomes for families seeking safety. Through her narrative, she reflects on the emotional toll of displacement and the struggle to belong in a new country.

The article emphasizes the personal story of Ferhatovic, who, at only 13 years old, was compelled to leave her home amid violence, and her experiences reinforce the challenges and harsh realities faced by many immigrants and refugees in Sweden today. She recalls how armed guards at the border made the journey filled with fear and uncertainty, revealing the physical dangers and bureaucratic obstacles that newcomers must navigate.

Ferhatovic expresses a profound gratitude for her current life in Sweden but also articulates the haunting question of belonging and the ramifications of drift that came with uprooting the family. Her reflections serve as an urgent reminder of the broader implications of immigration policies on the lives of young refugees and the ongoing discourse around nationhood, identity, and the desperately needed reforms to ensure that every child feels welcomed and accepted, rather than unwanted.