Hmong Settlement Patterns and Socioeconomic Change in Wisconsin

Abstract

This study examines the historical context of Hmong immigration and resettlement in the United States following the Vietnam War, analyses the current Hmong population within Wisconsin, and looks at the past and present socioeconomic and linguistic conditions of the Hmong population within the state of Wisconsin. Findings show that, following the Vietnam War, many Hmong refugees fled Laos to come to the U.S. and the U.S. government sought to resettle and assimilate them as quickly and inexpensively as possible, partnering with and funding many private and religious organizations to place them across the country. Many were initially settled in cities to gain economic stability. However, many would later relocate outside of cities in search of a better quality of life. While the Hmong community struggled socioeconomically through the early 2000s, their conditions have improved considerably in the years since.