The Micronesians: A Series

If you are looking for an informative article(s) on the experiences of the Micronesian immigrant community in Hawai’i, then check out Chad Blair’s 7-part Special Report called “The Micronesians” in the Civil Beat.

  • Part 1: An Untold Story of an American Immigration : First we nuked their islands and then we took control of the whole region. In exchange, Micronesians can move to the U.S. without restriction. And they are coming  — by the tens of thousands — for health care, education and jobs.
  • Part 2: A Journey that has no End: Most Americans have never even heard of the Compact of Free Association, but that may change as federal aid runs out, raising urgent questions about our moral, financial and legal responsibility to Micronesians.
  • Part 3: The Odyssey of Jonathin Jackson: This “nuclear nomad” just wants to go home. Except home is a contaminated atoll 2,000 miles away.
  • Part 4: Healthcare: Migration is Often a Matter of Survival: Diabetes and cancer are rampant throughout Micronesia, largely thanks to the legacy of nuclear tests and Western culture. But most islands lack adequate medical facilities, making migration a necessity.
  • Part 5: Climate Change: The Single Greatest Threat to our Existence: Rising tides and changing ecosystems are destroying the subsistence lifestyle on many islands in Micronesia. If disease and a sinking economy don’t drive residents away, global warming just might.
  • Part 6: Jobs and the Economy: It’s Only Going to Get Worse: The U.S. has been funneling billions of dollars to Micronesian nations since 1986. That money is very likely going to dry up in just eight years. Then what?
  • Part 7: The New Kids on the Block: A “Hidden Minority”: The Micronesian diaspora has spread out across the country, but many Americans still don’t realize who their new neighbors are.