Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Made in Misery -- a special report

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They were lured to American Samoa with the promise of making money -- but they found themselves at the center of the largest human trafficking case ever prosecuted in this country.

Twelve are now living in Washington state. They were rescued by volunteers, lawyers, a doctor -- and a brave and determined man who works at Microsoft. This week, we share their stories.


		CHAPTER ONE On American Samoa, a U.S. territory thousands of miles from Seattle, hundreds of Vietnamese workers toil away in a sweatshop under brutal conditions.


		CHAPTER TWO Hai-Tri Le, a Vietnam War refugee who works for Microsoft, learns of the workers' plight over the Internet. He boards a plane and visits the factory -- stunned such conditions exist in the 21st Century. - The U.S. has had its share of sweatshops


		CHAPTER THREE After visiting the garment factory on American Samoa, Hai-Tri Le and other volunteers vow to get the workers off the archipelago and to safety in the continental United States. The task becomes a legal, political and logistical challenge -- and a mad dash. - U.S. acted too slowly, some say


		CHAPTER FOUR As she embarks on a new life, Nga Cao, one of the factory workers, is married at a Buddhist temple in Seattle. Later that day, other women from the factory celebrate with their friend. It is one of the few times in recent months that they have been able to relax. - Local firms monitor overseas factories


		CHAPTER FIVE The workers find safety, jobs and new lives in the Puget Sound area. But their lives are incomplete. Many miss home and their families. The former garment factory owner still owes them money. Getting paid won't be easy. - Acts of kindness showered on sweatshop workers

INSIDE SEATTLEPI.COM

Day in Pictures
The German chancellor and more

David Horsey
Giving Chinese dissidents a choice

'Mad Men' returns
Cable hit rides wave of publicity

ABOUT THIS SERIES
· Cast of characters · Glossary · Key locations

AUDIO
· Hai-Tri Le interview: Real \| MP3

MORE ON SWEATSHOPS
Were your clothes made in a sweatshop? Sweatshops on U.S. soil Local firms monitor overseas factories Where to learn more online

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Personal accounts from the people involved in this story

FOLLOW-UPS
- A joyful reunion for woman who escaped cruelty of sweatshop - Largest U.S. human trafficking case leads to 40-year sentence

PROCEDURAL
· Story behind the story · A worker's contract (PDF)