Yaay Yang, a 17-year-old from South St. Paul, has taken on more responsibilities after his father, Zong Yang, was deported to Laos in May. Zong, 48, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in February due to a felony burglary conviction from his early twenties.

A New Normal

Yaay’s life turned upside down five months ago when his dad was detained. He found himself stepping into his father’s shoes, caring for his four younger brothers and helping his mother, Linda Yang, with household chores. Despite the challenges, Yaay has risen to the occasion, ensuring his brothers are well taken care of and supporting his mother during this difficult time.

Yaay’s family and relatives gathered to celebrate his high school graduation, a bittersweet moment as his father was not present. Zong had been a strong presence in the family, and his deportation has left a void. However, Yaay is determined to fill that gap and be a good role model for his younger brothers.

A Family’s Resilience

Linda Yang, Yaay’s mother, is proud of her son for stepping up and taking on more responsibilities. She expressed her gratitude to Yaay for being a good role model and for helping her care for their younger sons. The family is navigating a new normal, but they are determined to stay strong and support each other through this challenging time.

Yaay’s story highlights the importance of family and community support during difficult times. As he looks to the future, Yaay is determined to make his family proud and to create a better life for himself and his brothers.

Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.