Hmong Refugees Begin Journey to United States
Doualy Xaykaothao
Thao Mai Yia, with some of her seven boys inside their home, next to Tham Krabok Temple in central Thailand. She, her husband and sons have left their refugee village for a new life in America.
When Hmong hill tribesmen fled their native Laos after the Vietnam War, many ended up in neighboring Thailand, where they have lived in poverty for decades. Last December, some 15,000 of these stateless citizens were offered citizenship in the United States. The first of the Hmong refugees are arriving at various destinations in the United States this week. Doualy Xaykaothao traveled to the refugee camp near Tham Krabock temple in central Thailand to report on preparations for their departure.
Related NPR Stories
More Hmong Refugees Headed for Minnesota's Twin Cities April 2, 2004
Hmong Refugees Await New Home Dec. 21, 2003
Comments
Discussions for this story are now closed. Please see the Community FAQ for more information.