Zo Tribe: Second Migration

Burmese refugees from the Zo tribe are faced with choosing between their family or food on their plates. It is a consequence of what is called a second migration. More than 100 members of the Zo tribe have relocated to Fort Wayne. It is estimated there are roughly 700-800 Zo in the entire country. When the U.S. State Department grants refugee status to a person and relocates a refugee to the U.S. it is called a first migration. First migrations are limited to include only immediate family members. Consequently, extended families are split up and often assigned to different cities in the U.S. Once in the U.S. extended family members often relocate to be with family. However, once a refugee leaves the initial city they were placed in by the State Department, they forfeit all government benefits such as food stamps and health care. Thang Boi is a Zo refugee living in Fort Wayne. He fled his country after being accused of acting with rebel groups and being beaten and tortured. Once granted refugee status, Thang was originally assigned to live in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Thang became lonely and decided to move to Fort Wayne where he had a distant cousin. The Zo community in Fort Wayne has formed the Zo Christian Church. It will offer services to the Zo community in its own language. The Zo tribe speaks a different language from the rest of the Burmese population. Services will begin in August. Watch the story to find out the challenges Thang faced and how he is adjusting to life in Fort Wayne.