Using the Past to Guide the Future: Criminal Deportee (Re)integration in a New Homeland

Abstract

The United States regularly deports individuals to Tonga due to criminal convictions, and these deportees often struggle to reintegrate into Tongan society. This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of 12 such criminal deportees through semi-structured interviews to elicit participants’ personal stories of deportation and transition. Common themes of family, religion, and Tongan culture emerged in their responses. These results are discussed, as well as recommendations to aid deportees. The study emphasizes that successful deportee reintegration can be facilitated with the collaboration of government, religious groups, and families.