Becoming American: Teenagers and Immigration

In Cambodia, students do not study, because even if you have a higher education you cannot find a job or make good money. The government does not pay people well. Also, the justice system is not working. People rob each other, and there are many kidnappings. You have to pay a lot of money to get your child back. We came here to find a safe place. Our life in America is very different. We already have a grocery store.

— Chealen, Lilin, and Peoumalika Tav, ages 18, 17, 14