Oral History Interview with Billy Vu

Abstract

Billy Vu tells the story of his family's decision to leave Communist Vietnam, live temporarily in a Hong Kong refugee camp, and finally to make a new life in the Danbury area. He describes the difficult conditions in the refugee camp and the birth of his younger sister there. The Vu family arrived in the United States with the help of church sponsorship and family members in the area. He had difficulties in school early on because of limited English proficiency, but went on to become completely fluent. He is now studying economics at Western Connecticut State University. He describes how he and his family adjusted to life and work here, and how the family managed well financially. He shares his views regarding perceptions and treatment of immigrants in the greater Danbury area.