About 125 Bhutanese People To Live In Wisconsin
Updated: 11:31 am CDT October 9, 2009
MADISON, Wis. -- Since 2007, the U.S. has agreed to resettle at least 60,000 refugees from Bhutan. The resettlement is happening in several American cities, and it's why two families are now calling Madison home.
In the early 1990s, thousands of Bhutanese families were expelled from the country, accused of immigrating illegally. The majority ended up in refugee camps in nearby Nepal, living in bamboo huts provided by international aid agencies. Bhutan refused to take them back, and Nepal refused to grant them citizenship.
For the Thapa family, the Dane County Regional Airport was the beginning of their adjusting to a new home.
"They're just really in awe of everything. Everything's new, everything's exciting." said Jason Keagy, with Madison's Coalition of Refugee Encouragement.
As the Thapas arrived on American soil for the first time, the Limbu family is continuing to find their place in the melting pot. Like the thousands of Bhutanese families leaving difficult lives in refugee camps, the Limbus are searching for a new beginning in Madison.
"The move is good for the children," said Sancha Maya Limbu, through a translator. "I hope the future is bright."
"I know in my heart the future will be nice," Limbu's eldest son, Raj Kumar, said to the translator.
"They are very selfless," said Keagy. "They're very hard working. Their ambition is not what we would consider to be ambition. Their needs are really focused on today, and what they need for their family today."
With just the bags over their shoulders, the Thapas are ready for their new home. Father Jagot Thapa said his children's education is what really matters.
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin said about 125 Bhutanese people will call Wisconsin home by the end of the year, with many coming to Madison.
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"A lot of it has to do with enthusiasm," said Rebekah Johnson, of Lutheran Social Services. "Milwaukee has been receiving refugees in large numbers for many years, and coming to Madison is so refreshing. People just have a lot of energy to be working with these people."
When the Limbus visited the Thapas, they brought along gifts of pictures and fruits to celebrate their American journeys.
"They haven't really had the opportunity to dream and to hope and to look forward to when they've been so concerned with the day-to-day needs." said Keagy. "So when we can assist them with that, hopefully in the future, they'll have a chance to hope and dream again."
With new Bhutanese families making their way to the area, organizers helping them with job placement and language education are looking to the community for help. Those who'd like to help in any way can contact the Coalition of Refugee Encouragement Madison by e-mailing coremadison@gmail.com.
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