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As Congress moves forward with immigration reform, we take a look at how this issue connects to culture, business and families in the Northwest.Our region is home to a unique blend of immigrants who work in all parts of our economy — from high-tech to agriculture. This population already has a deeply-rooted history here. And its ranks are expanding rapidly.Proposals for comprehensive immigration reform address border security, employment verification, guest-worker programs and pathway to citizenship for an estimated 11 million unauthorized immigrants in the US.

From refugee to celebrated storyteller: Viet Thanh Nguyen’s American journey

Viet Thanh Nguyen is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. He was awarded that honor in 2016 for his debut novel “The Sympathizer.” Then he received a MacArthur Fellowship in 2017.

When he was four years-old, Nguyen came to the United States from Vietnam with his family after the fall of Saigon. His experiences as a refugee, immigrant and Asian-American infuse his work.

He spoke at a Seattle Arts & Lectures event at Benaroya Hall on May 7, and Sonya Harris recorded his talk and conversation with “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” author Jamie Ford. The opening poem was written and read by Wei Wei Lee.

Please note: This recording contains unedited language of an adult nature, specifically racial slurs.

Listen to the full version below: 

Year started with KUOW: 2006