A demographic survey of Iu-Mien in West Coast states of the U.S., 1993

Beginning in 1975, Mien refugees migrated to the United States from the highlands of Southeast Asia, primarily but not exclusively from Laos. Reported here are 1993 data on the basic size and composition of the Iu-Mien population in the West Coast states (Washington, Oregon, and California), the most popular settlement destination for this group. Three-fourths of Mien in this region live in California. Surveys reveal a young population, half being under age 15 years but with a surprisingly large (6.8%) proportion of people aged 60 or older. Approximately half of all Mien households, which typically contain 5–7 members, are two-generation nuclear families, i.e., parents and their school-age or younger children. Through the addition of grandparents, other kin, or unrelated individuals, the remaining households comprise three- or four-generation domestic units. Most (around 90%) Mien households are headed by middle-aged males, although some households in all locations are headed by females. Employment rates for Mien households vary by state and by location in an urban or rural area. State welfare policies as well as differential availability of work for unskilled or poorly educated individuals seem to be major factors accounting for differences in employment.