The Legacy of Agent Orange: American Promises Unfulfilled

Nearly half a century after the Vietnam War ended, American support for its victims, particularly those affected by Agent Orange, has dwindled significantly, leaving survivors like Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diem without crucial assistance.

The scars of the Vietnam War, particularly from the chemical Agent Orange, continue to haunt the lives of many in Vietnam, including those like Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diem. Born with significant physical deformities likely due to her father's exposure to this toxic herbicide used by U.S. forces, Nguyen has faced numerous challenges throughout her life.

Despite previously receiving support from a U.S.A.I.D.-funded initiative that offered her graphic design training, recent changes in U.S. foreign aid policy have jeopardized such programs. In 2022, she had a glimmer of hope when she secured a job thanks to this assistance, but when her company shut down, her reliance on that support grew dire. She anticipated receiving a loan or a new computer which would aid in her craft, but current political decisions have dashed those hopes.

"When I learned from a reporter that my support might never arrive, I felt lost," Nguyen expressed, emphasizing the responsibility of the U.S. for its role in creating victims like herself. "Agent Orange came from the U.S.—it was used here, and that makes us victims."

Nguyen's current computer, outdated and frequently malfunctioning, symbolizes the ongoing neglect faced by Agent Orange victims. As the U.S. foreign aid budget continues to shrink, many like Nguyen remain unsure if they will receive the assistance they desperately need.

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Vietnam, stemming from the American legacy of the Vietnam War, highlights the lack of accountability and support for those grappling with its consequences decades later.