Myra, a Burmese refugee, came to the U.S. on a student visa.
State of Residence: Virginia
University: Hunter College
Myra Dahgaypaw is a Burmese refugee. As a child growing up in a war zone, Myra moved to multiple villages as a result of Burmese troops setting villages on fire to cause fear. Being in an unstable environment came with a price. Myra lost her immediate family at a young age and was raised by her father’s younger brother.
Finally, in 1995, Myra was able to flee to Thailand, where she became a refugee. After three years living in a refugee camp, Myra was able to further her education. In 2003, she obtained a student visa to attend Hunter College in New York City. Upon her graduation, she was required to leave the U.S.
Returning to Burma was not a safe option. Myra requested asylum to receive protection in the U.S. She eventually obtained asylum and continues her work today as an advocate for the Burmese community.