Raised as Americans in inner city projects near Seattle, three young Cambodian refugees each made a rash decision as a teenager that irrevocably shaped their destiny. Years later, facing deportation back to Cambodia, they find themselves caught between a tragic past and an uncertain future by a system that doesn’t offer any second chances. Catch the film on PBS: www.pbs.org/independentlens/sentencedhome

How does “Sentenced Home” affect Laotian Americans?

In 1996, after the bombing in Oklahoma, a law was passed that anyone, guilty of aggravated felony and serving more than 18 months in jail, will be deported to their country of origin, which means the country you were last in or the country you were born in.

In 2001, the law also rescinded the fact that you have served your time, the fact that you have a job and family, the fact that you have not been charged of any crime since your incarceration.

What can you do?

Support LANA by donating money so we can lobby, travel, network for a policy change for refugees. All this takes time and money to make changes for the whole.

LANA Board Members would like to express their deepest gratitude to Nicole Newnham, Co-Producer of ‘Sentenced Home’ for her assistance. We thank David Grabias, Co-Producer of Sentenced Home, Phitsamay Sytchikong OyOy from SEARAC, Hongvilay Thongsamouth, LANA board member, Sonny Inthaxay for attending and participating in the LANA panel after the screening. We thank Sourichanh Noi Chanthyasack, Tutu Phimviengkham, Dara Stieglitzand Hongvilay Thongsamouth, LANA Board members for their generosity in making this event happen. ‘Sentenced Home’ was presented on May 3, 2007 at the Twin Palms Hotel In Tempe Arizona.