Anaise Baez DB 10

The treatment of southeast asians in the United States as shown by Kimberly Yam in her article “The Forgotten Asian Refugees Fed Into the U.S. Prison System” showcases the cruel reality they had to face. In an attempt to flee their hometown in Cambodia due to a communist tyranny, people like Phal Sok and his family looked towards the United States for a place to thrive. As a country that once accepted them with open arms even under the name of a refugee was the same country that turned on them. Forcing them back to their homeland even though they had never been there. Under the Trump administration South East Asians had to live in fear of deportation through I.C.E and overall difficulty in their community. After getting away from the fear of war many southeast asians had to face a new fear which was to avoid detaintment from I.C.E. Due to uncertainty and the difficulties they had to face, since they were barely supported by anything, many ended up turning to more dangerous routes of life. This involved gang activity, drug and/or alcohol abuse and sadly some even turn to suicidal thoughts. The I.C.E detainment didn’t have the best conditions either, they were forced into leaving the country that accepted them and if they left due to war fare they were being put right back into the situation they tried to escape. Many families were separated and there were also increased spikes of mental conditions such as PTSD, depression and more. This isn’t the way the United States should be treating the refugees who entrusted their lives and safety to this country. They are treated unfairly and have to endure so much pain and trauma that isn’t worth it. The United States doesn’t need to do this and it honestly gives refugees false hope of being accepted. It’s messed up to trick people into thinking they can be safe, live and thrive in an environment that is going to kick them out. This was a very unnecessary and hypocritical action, no one deserves to be treated like that. After all everyone is just trying to live their lives to the best of their abilities and it shouldn’t be a crime.