13  Using the Past to Guide the Future: Criminal

Tracy Creagh

The purpose of this article is to illuminate the participants’ personal stories and experiences through the reintegration process and highlight the major concerns and needs of deportees in Tongan society. [...] Headley (2006) discusses the conception of the constructed enemy of the community, who becomes detested nearly from the moment of arrival in their homeland because they are labeled as enemies and failures. [...] What factors obstruct and assist deportees in their reintegration? The research questions were designed to illuminate the participants’ personal stories of transitioning and reintegrating into a ‘home’ country that was not home to them, and bring to light cultural, religious, and community influences. [...] The programs provide examples of the kinds of attention and support deportees received from religious groups in the past, as well as a path churches can take to assist their deported members. [...] S., who shared their stories from the beginning of the deportation process to the day of their interviews.