Refugee Resettlement Services: Me-Ling's Story

The family of Me-Ling* lived in the Refugee Camp in Thailand for 11 years. Me-Ling, her parents, and her five sisters fled Burma because they were Christians. Me-Ling was only 8 years old at the time. Threatened by persecution, thousands of families in Burma suffered a fate similar to that of Me-Ling and her family. Me-Ling grew up in the Refugee Camp, went to school and lived most of her childhood with thousands of other families who had also fled the junta in Burma. Eventually Me-Ling met her husband Lua* in the camp while attending school. Lua was only 8 months old when his family fled Burma; they had been in this camp since 1983. The two married and in 2006 were blessed with a little girl. Having been on the waiting list for many years, Me-Ling and her little daughter were approved for resettlement to follow Me-Ling's parents and her sisters to Atlanta, GA.

But Lua had to stay behind because he was registered in a different camp. At the tender age of 18, Me-Ling and her infant daughter have to start a new life in a very foreign place without a husband and father. She is thankful to have her immediate family, but she misses her husband every day. Catholic Charities is helping Me-Ling file a petition with the Department of State in order for Lua to join his family. It will most likely take 18 months or more before her husband receives approval for resettlement to the U.S. Until then, Catholic Charities has helped Me-Ling to move in with her parents and younger sister, begin taking English classes near her home, learn to use MARTA, and start looking for a job.

Me-Ling came to the U.S. with one suitcase and one pair of shoes. Catholic Charities has also found donations to provide Me-Ling and her daughter with beds, bedding items, clothing, shoes, baby items, and some financial assistance until she begins to work. Me-Ling reports that she is happy to be here and cannot wait until she can truly say that she has a self-sufficient life here in the U.S. - with her husband and daughter.

*Names have been changed to protect the client.

Page last updated: September 26, 2008