Monday, November 18, 2024
Go to Thinking Global in Minnesota
Thinking Global in Minnesota
Think Global: Public radio collaboration
A tale of two companies
How China saved the Iron Range
Timber competes in the global marketplace
Aveda goes global
Buying local: does it make a difference?
Tracking livestock to prevent disease
Bringing global goods to American markets
Volunteers share their time abroad
School lunches go international
Immigrants bring old grievances to new home
Walker redefines the art 'world'
Minnesota's global faces: An interactive map
An immigration timeline
Audio
Photos
More from MPR
Resources

Sponsor

Vietnam: Tam Bui
Larger view
Tam Bui is from Vietnam. He's been in the U.S. for nine years. (MPR Photo/Toni Randolph)

St. Paul, Minn. — Tam Bui, 42, is from Saigon, Vietnam. He's 42 and has been in the US for nine years. He entered the U.S. as a refugee, along with his parents and a sister. They live together in St. Paul.

Tam Bui's other seven siblings are still in Vietnam with their families. Bui is taking English classes at Vietnam Social Services. He says he enjoys the schooling, although English is hard for him to learn because of his age.

Tam Bui says he and his family members came to the U.S. seeking more freedom. He says when they were in Vietnam, his father was imprisoned for 10 years because of the Viet Cong.

Tam Bui is responsible for taking care of his parents and sister, all of whom have health problems. So he's been unable to search for a job. When asked what his goals are, he says he just wants a simple life -- to get a job and have enough to survive. Then, he says, he'd be happy.

Sponsor