Lao and Hmong Americans Today

Communities built by refugees from Laos, and their place in American public life.

Where they settled

Refugees from Laos settled across the United States. Large Hmong communities grew in Minnesota's Twin Cities, California's Central Valley around Fresno and Sacramento, and Wisconsin. Lao American communities formed in California, Texas, Minnesota, Tennessee, Georgia, and elsewhere.

In public service

The children of those refugees now serve as elected officials, military officers, judges, and diplomats. Hmong Americans have been elected to state legislatures and city councils, and Lao and Hmong Americans serve in the U.S. armed forces and the Foreign Service.

In the Foreign Service

• Songkane Sackaly came from Laos as a refugee, served in the U.S. Army in Iraq, and joined the Foreign Service.
• Boa Lee is described by the Department of State as the first Hmong American Foreign Service officer.
• Stacey Phengvath joined the Foreign Service as an office management specialist.