Since 1975, the United States has accepted more than 110,000 Laotian highlanders as refugees, the vast majority of whom are Hmong. The Hmong in America trace their Chinese ancestry back thousands of years, but their recent history is rooted in Laos where Hmong families escaped from China in the mid-1800s. It is difficult to overstate the culture…

Five articles in this newsletter examine Hmong refugees in the United States, describing how they are faring in various communities around the country, explaining how their experiences in Laos influences their behavior and attitudes, and examining the challenges being faced by the youth. A list is provided that gives a breakdown of the Hmong…

A study was conducted concerning how Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian, and Hmong refugees between the ages of 15 and 18 have faced the difficulties of adjusting to life in the United States. The study looked at some of the reasons behind the difficulties these youth experience, as well as their success at school, within the family, and in society.…

The two essays in this guide are intended to provide Americans with an introduction to the history and culture of the Hmong refugees from Laos. In the first essay, "The Hmongs of Laos: 1896-1978," the following topics are discussed: (1) the Hmongs' history until 1940; (2) the emergence of Hmong leaders during and after World War II and…