Weekend America Series
Immigration: One Thing
Last year, some 41,000 refugees resettled in the United States, bringing with them hopes, fears, scars and painful memories. They also brought objects. Beginning in Fall 2007, "One Thing" takes a look at newly arrived refugees in towns and cities across America. We ask them about their journey and that one thing they've brought from their old home to their new.
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From Iraq to Detroit
The Augustin family fled Iraq and now they live in Detroit. Producers Ann Heppermann and Kara Oehler talk with them about the one thing they managed to hold on to: their home movies.
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One Thing: A Chat With the Producers
Producers Ann Hepermann and Kara Oehler found so many compelling stories of refugees and the special thing they brought with them, that they couldn't fit them all into the One Thing Series. They share some of stories and special moments with host Bill Radke.
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From Sudan to Omaha
In Sudan, Malakal Goak worked with an international relief organization, but as the civil war spread, officials in the north accused him of supporting rebels and put him in jail. After escaping and living as a refugee in Kenya, he ended up in Omaha. The one thing Goak brought with him was a love song that his father composed.
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From Afghanistan to Amarillo
The Sher Ali family, a mother and nine children, was the first Afghan family to be resettled in Amarillo, Texas in 2000. They fled the Taliban in the middle of the night with only the clothes they had on.
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From Somalia to Portland
This year, the United States resettled nearly 7,000 refugees from Somalia, the most of any African nation. Like many minority Somali Bantu, Omar Abdirahaman and his family fled to Kenya after being targeted by militia groups in Somalia. Omar, his wife and children spent 15 years in the refugee camp, and finally made it abroad in 2004. Like most Somali Bantus in Portland, Ore., Omar works at a fish factory in town. But on weekends, especially in the morning, he sings and plays traditional guitar and drums. That's the one thing Omar brought with him, his music.
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From Iraq to Detroit
The Augustin family fled Iraq and now they live in Detroit. Producers Ann Heppermann and Kara Oehler talk with them about the one thing they managed to hold on to: their home movies.
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From Burma to Indianapolis
This year, the United States has received nearly 14,000 Burmese refugees. Agencies in Indianapolis, Ind., have resettled more than 600 Chin refugees this year, mainly from camps in Malaysia. The Chin are one of the largest ethnic groups in Burma and mainly Christian. Here, many Chin have set up churches on the south side of Indianapolis, and are practicing Christianity openly for the first time in years. Producers Ann Heppermann and Kara Oehler talk with Sui Tluangneh, who was forced to flee his country because of the item he brought with him: a poem.
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One Thing: From Burundi to Phoenix
Last year, some 41,000 refugees resettled in the United States, bringing with them hopes, fears, scars and painful memories. They also brought objects. Today, we bring you the first part of a new series, One Thing. It takes a look at newly arrived refugees in towns and cities across America. We'll ask them about their journey and that one thing they've brought from their old home to their new. Our first story takes place in Phoenix, Ariz., where a large number of Bunrundians are resettling.
