Third Country Nationals—
a Collection of Portraits

In late 2018, Super Typhoon Yutu devastated the island of Saipan, in the Northern Mariana Islands. Soon after, a FEMA disaster response project to build 66 temporary school structures was implemented by the US Army Corps of Engineers. An Alaska-based construction firm was contracted to lead the project. Sixty, third country nationals (TCN), mostly Filipinos and Bangladeshis, comprised the field labor. A fast-paced, high pressure challenge to ultimately get kids back into school ASAP, the project was successfully completed. What’s more, for this Alaskan firm, it was a wonderful first time experience partnering with TCNs. For the TCNs, it was also a great experience because of the mutual respect and camaraderie shared with this American-led team —a sentiment they expressed at the end of the project. As an observer behind the lens of my camera, the jovial relationship between the two parties was both obvious and heartwarming. Sadly, being treated with respect and dignity is not a common experience for the tens of thousands of TCNs who leave home and country to work so that they may support their families— an issue well documented. To this end, let this collection of colorful portraits be a celebration of having done what’s right—treating people with the dignity and respect they deserve. You can read more about this FEMA project here.