Stuart Isett has documented the lives of young Cambodian men in the United States for 15 years, most recently following the path of some 200 who have been deported back to Cambodia since 2002. These Cambodians are not illegal immigrants, and in fact were first welcomed to the U.S. as refugees and offered the opportunity to obtain citizenship. Largely due to illiteracy and fear of the legal system, most never did, believing nonetheless that they were “permanent” residents. Now they are being returned to a country few know and, indeed, some had never set foot in.

Cambodia, 2007.

On Monday, Feb. 4, Isett will be presenting his slide show “LOST BOYZ: Deporting the Cambodian Diaspora,” and speaking with Navy Phim, author of “Reflections of a Khmer Soul” at the event:

“Cambodia, Cambodians and the Diaspora”
The Center for Southeast Asia Studies, UC Berkeley

Monday, February 4, 2008
4:30 p.m.
IEAS Conference Room, 6F
2223 Fulton St., Berkeley CA 94720

This event is free & open to the public. Donations accepted at the door for the Global Youth Connect Small Grants Fund for Cambodian youth projects. A portion of the book sales will also be donated to this fund.

Also, check out articles in New America Media category: Asian