By Marissa Kiss, PhD, Institute for Immigration Research, George Mason University
On Monday, April 28, 2025, the Institute for Immigration Research (IIR) welcomed five panelists who shared their own personal and family stories as well as their art and books. The panelists included Hanh Bui, Teacher, Author, and George Mason University Alum; Tori Huynh, Teacher and PROUD President of the Fairfax County Public Schools Asian Educators Association & Asian Leadership Alliance Scholarship Foundation; Steven Luu, U.S. Air Force Veteran, Artist, and Current MFA student at George Mason University School of Art; Dr. Connie Park, Director of Make Us Visible Virginia and AAPI Education Director for the Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans of Virginia; and Len Tran, Chemical Engineer, Author, and Founder of Kinetic Mind, LLC.
After Dr. Jim Witte, Director of the IIR at George Mason University provided an introduction, a 12-minute viewing of the Closing the Gap documentary[1] was shown followed by a discussion of the Vietnamese Boat People resettlement experience, as well as five small group discussions each led by one of the panelists. The second part of the evening included a viewing of a short film produced by Historian and IIR Visiting Scholar, Dr. Oguzhan Dursun, and a conversation on the current state of refugees around the world and in the United States. This part of the program was led by Matt Brown, an expert in international development and refugee resettlement.
During the discussion, the panelists highlighted their own personal or their parent’s journey as refugees and the obstacles, resilience, and courage they faced to build a new life in a new country. As Steven Luu reflected on the event:
Five of us, Vietnamese refugees, share our stories of struggle and resilience as immigrants in the U.S., presented through the Institute for Immigration Research. Each of us arrived with little or nothing, but through hardship and determination, we have built meaningful lives and given back to the country that offered us refuge. Among us are a teacher, a scholar, an engineer, a director, and a veteran—each playing a vital role in shaping our communities. - Steven Luu
The panelists also illuminated the power in storytelling in not only bringing hope and healing but also the ability for stories to teach and connect with others. As Hanh Bui emphasized, “Our refugee stories represent the personal experiences and journey of our families, but the universal emotions we’ve shared connects us all. I felt the transformative power of storytelling to bring about hope and healing. I am proud of our courage, resilience and perseverance as Vietnamese Americans and grateful for our friends and allies at GMU’s Institute for Immigration Research. In the midst of so much uncertainty, I am comforted knowing there is hope and goodness in our world.”
Similarly, Tori Huynh, stated that “I truly enjoyed the experience to share my mother’s refugee story at the event last night. These stories are so powerful, and it was nice to connect with my group, as some have had similar journeys, some were hearing stories like this for the first time. Everyone in attendance was so engaged and had many follow up questions, that gave me a time to reflect, and learn more about myself. This was truly a highlight for me.”
Lastly, as Len Tran noted, “What surprised me most during my talk was how the audience connected with the impossible choice my father made. Taking me on that fishing boat while leaving the rest of my family behind after Saigon fell, it wasn't a decision anyone should have to make. Yet as I shared our journey of becoming American while honoring our Vietnamese roots, I saw recognition in their eyes. Our refugee story may be specific, but the human experience of sacrifice and adaptation resonates across all backgrounds.”
For Len, he transformed the hardships of his journey as a Vietnamese boat person who survived 21 harrowing days adrift on the South China Sea, into an unwavering perseverance that taught him that “no dream is too distant when you have the courage to keep moving forward, even against the strongest currents of life.” For Steven, who at seven years old escaped Vietnam on a small boat with his family, ultimately reaching Hong Kong, where they stayed in a refugee camp for seven years before being granted asylum through the U.S. refugee program in 1991, uses art to express, transform, and reinvent, his feelings and non-verbally address his traumatic experiences. Reflecting on his experience as a refugee, Steven stated that: “My mother says we should embrace struggles rather than avoid them, for they are the foundation of our growth. Life often challenges us, but every difficulty can shape us into more assertive, resilient people with greater compassion for others. Don't be afraid to express your feelings; celebrate every time you overcome the slightest obstacle.”
Similar to Len and Steven, Hanh has also turned to art and storytelling to tell the experiences of immigrants and refugees. At eight years old, Hanh and her family left Vietnam by boat. Hanh and her family spent nine days at sea after they were rescued by the United States Navy. Inspired by her first teacher at Fort Indiantown Gap, a refugee camp, Hanh, pursued a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education at George Mason University and taught second grade before becoming a children’s book author. Hanh’s stories are inspired by her Vietnamese heritage and refugee experiences. When reflecting on her experience as a refugee, Hanh reiterated that “when someone is insensitive to your experiences or tells you that you don’t belong, know that you do. This country is founded and built by immigrants.” And as Dr. Park stressed, the journey, resilience, and contributions among refugees “are invaluable to the fabric of this country.”
[1] An edited version of the 1975 PBS documentary about Vietnamese refugees at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania was played during the event. However, the full, three-part series can be found here: Part I; Part II; and Part III.
To read a PDF summary of the event, click here.
May 02, 2025