“We had been just like animals to them” Life Histories from the Rohingya Diaspora in Wisconsin

Abstract

Trajectory of the Rohingya, a minority Muslim community from Myanmar resettled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, has been
explored in this ethnographic research. Using life history method, this study reveals a Rohingya perspective of their experience of
disenfranchisement from the country of origin, cycle of violence, mass killing, forced migration, physical and sexual abuse and finally,
statelessness and refugee status. Finding of this study reveals the everyday practice and agency of ordinary Rohingya people through
which they are making their way of life in the midst of extreme violence in the country of origin and in protracted refugee situation in
Bangladesh, Thailand and Malaysia before life in the USA.