“In America, you can pay it forward. … That’s what we hope to do.” Their families fled Vietnam. Now they’re helping Afghan refugees in America. kurtisalee reports:
Jefferey Vu, 31, one of the founding members of Viets for Afghans, volunteers at the United Christian Church in Renton, Wash., where donated goods are organized for Afghan refugees. Trees are destroyed after a fire in the Alvorada da Amazonia region in Novo Progresso, Brazil. A fire burns out of control after spreading onto a farm along a highway in Nova Santa Helena municipality in northern Mato Grosso state.
Tan’s parents and oldest sister fled Vietnam by boat in 1978, three years after U.S. forces pulled out of the country, and the capital, known then as Saigon, fell to the North Vietnamese army. “We saw that open hand to our community,” Tan said. “We have to give back. …This community is known for its openness to immigrants.”
“That history sticks with me today. It’s full circle,” Vu said. “In America, you can pay it forward. … That’s what we hope to do.”During the early years of Do’s childhood, her family’s life centered on efforts to leave Vietnam. Soon after the war ended but before Do was born, her parents had sought to escape by boat, but they struggled and had to turn around. In the years that followed, they made two more failed attempts to leave.
Robbins and Do knew that shelter would be the top priority for the thousands of Afghan refugees headed to the U.S., and they knew they were in a position to help. They own two houses — the one they live in and a vacant three-bedroom property a few blocks away that they would occasionally rent out short-term.A man sweeps the sidewalk in Little Saigon in Seattle.
In 2018, he applied for a special immigrant visa, the first step toward a then far-off dream of one day moving to the United States. The process took three years and he finally received his visa earlier this year, he said. He knew the U.S. planned to withdraw, but he didn’t expect the Taliban to quickly conquer the country.Qadiri arrived at the Kabul airport on Aug.18, three days after the Taliban takeover. It was just after 11 p.m.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Most Inspiring Immigration Stories Of 2021Engineers, scientists, Afghan refugees and sports heroes are among the most inspiring immigrants of 2021.
Read more »
The Most Inspiring Immigration Stories Of 2021Engineers, scientists, Afghan refugees and sports heroes are among the most inspiring immigrants of 2021.
Read more »
Karzai 'invited' Afghan Taliban to Kabul after Ghani fled in secretEx-Afghan leader Hamid Karzai says he invited the Taliban insurgents into the capital Kabul on August 15 so that 'the city doesn't fall into chaos,' following a covert departure of Ashraf Ghani and his team from the country.
Read more »
Bills fans help donate $40,000 to visual impairment charityIt all started after the BuffaloBills' disappointing loss on Sunday. Many fans thought a missed pass interference penalty during the game potentially influenced the outcome. Instead of sulking, they turned their anger into action.
Read more »
These five stocks had the biggest insider buys this weekA member of the Ford family made one of the most notable insider purchases in corporate America this week.
Read more »
'Tis better to give than to receive. Really!Before you order another batch of gifts online, here are some festive ways your family can get together, bond over a holiday activity and help others.
Read more »