A Different Pond written by Bao Phi and illustrated by Thi Bui
A Different Pond is author Bao Phi’s dedication to his childhood and the part his parents played in seeking safety and providing for their family of eight. In 1975, when he was just a baby, Phi’s family migrated from Vietnam to Minnesota as refugees from war. A Different Pond honors Phi’s Vietnamese heritage and the memories his family brought across the sea with them and preserved for generations to come. Illustrator Thi Bui was also born in Vietnam and raised in America. Through her artwork, she captures snippets of what life looked like for so many Vietnamese American immigrants.
This book reads well for grade-schoolers of all ages. It provides intimate insight into both the sacrifices made by the protagonist’s parents and the bond with his family and the family culture within his home.
My First Asylum Case: An Attorney's Perspective on Asylum in the United States
I took my first asylum case in 2016, when our national dialog on immigration took a decidedly negative turn. As a corporate attorney, I had no experience in immigration law, but my license allowed me to represent individuals fleeing severe persecution and I signed with a local non-profit to offer my help. My first asylum client was a young mother and her two small daughters. I could see myself in Saba.
Their Story is Our Story Applauds the Signing of Virginia House Bill 995 and Continues Efforts to Open Doors for Foreign-trained Medical Professionals in Other States
Their Story is Our Story (TSOS), a non-profit organization that collects and shares the experiences of refugees to deepen understanding and influence action, applauds the signing of Virginia House Bill 995 into law by Governor Glenn Youngkin, after its unanimous passage through the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate. It will create a pathway for foreign-trained doctors who have immigrated to the state, including those whose careers were interrupted by forcible displacement, to fill workforce gaps in medically underserved communities.
Idaho One Refugee Conference
Last fall I was able to attend the 1Refugee Conference in Idaho. The event was well organized and everyone who approached our table was interested in what we did and wanted to know how to get involved. There were at least 100 students majoring in a variety of things who attended the event and we had 20 students give us their contact information. Most were interested in our internship programs.