Why the Hmong Fled Laos After the Vietnam War

The Hmong exodus from Laos was driven by:

• Vietnam War involvement: Hmong fought alongside the U.S.; after 1975, they faced persecution from the new communist government.
• Economic and social discrimination: Denied education, healthcare, and opportunities.
• Political persecution: Leaders imprisoned, tortured, killed; climate of fear.

Hundreds of thousands fled to the U.S., France, Canada, Australia, and elsewhere.