Hmong Immigration to Wisconsin
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw significant racial tensions in central Wisconsin as Hmong immigrants arrived from Southeast Asia. This echoed earlier conflicts with European immigrants a century before.
Definition: The Hmong are a nomadic people traditionally from mountainous regions in Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, and China.
The Hmong's stateless status made them vulnerable to persecution, leading many to ally with the CIA during covert operations against communism in Southeast Asia.
Highlight: An estimated 50,000 Hmong men and boys died fighting communists along the Laos-Vietnam border.
Nou Vang Thao, a former CIA guerrilla fighter, was among the first Hmong refugees to settle in Wausau, Wisconsin, 40 years ago. Despite his service, Thao faced discrimination and misunderstanding from locals who often confused him with the enemy.
Quote: "We've given Americans 100 percent of our heart, but they've only given us 20 percent," said Thao, reflecting on the challenges of integration.