Helping refugees, regardless of where they’re from

Refugees are people who have fled war, violence, conflict or persecution and have crossed an international border to find safety in another country. There are nearly 26.4 million refugees, around half of whom are under the age of 18. (Source: UNHCR)

I’m a refugee. My family fled Vietnam in April 1975, and we were fortunate enough to have settled in the US.

My husband has distant relatives in Ukraine, so we are sensitive to their current situation. But I also recognize that there are refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and scores of other countries–and they all need help. Here’s a Vox piece that spotlights how responses to the plight of refugees differ based on where they’re from. It’s incredibly unfortunate that refugees aren’t treated equally.

If you’re interested in helping, sign up to host or sponsor a family; volunteer to teach newly arrived refugees the local language; acquaint them with how to do things, like look for work or register for school; or you may wish to donate to organizations that offer assistance.

Helping a refugee means you’re impacting the life of someone like me. I wouldn’t be where I am today if my family hadn’t had support after escaping in a fishing boat all those years ago.

Alison Lihalakha

Alison Hồng Nguyễn Lihalakha was born in Vietnam and grew up in Florida and Kansas years before pho and Tiger Balm were popularized. She is a seasoned expat, dog lover, and the author of Salted Plums.   Find her online on Instagram and Twitter.