Haris is a young man who works hard and has great plans for the future. Born in Bosnia, he came to the United States in January of 1999.

"I feel very fortunate to be here," he says, smiling. "It's hard to describe how good it is to be in the U.S."

Haris is sitting at a computer, where he looks very much at home. "Computer languages and programming is my field. I had 2 years of college in Bosnia before the war, but the credits don't transfer, you know? Anyway, school is so very different here. I go to a New York State college and the professors are very good, very helpful. I take classes at night, part-time, and work during the day. It's going to take some time to earn my degree but I'm getting closer every semester. "

When asked if it's difficult to balance work and school, Haris shrugs. "For me, it isn't difficult," he explains. "School is a pleasure, and so far I have gotten all A's. There are a couple of other foreign students in my class who have a hard time understanding the professor because he talks very fast. But I don't have a problem."

And his plans for the future? "To become a U.S. citizen. In two more years, I will be eligible. Then my girlfriend and I will get married. We were sweethearts in Bosnia. She's in the U.S. now, too, and goes to college in the mid-west. We want to have children someday. As far as investments, there's not much money left over to work with, but I do have an insurance policy. It doesn't cost much because I'm so young, and it's a good way to prepare for the future. And right now, the future's looking good."