
Home About the Task Force Meetings Resources and Links Contact Information

Creation of the Hmong Resettlement Task Force

photo of Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle

Latest News
Hmong Resettlement Taskforce presents final report to Governor Jim Doyle Final Report

On July 1, Governor Jim Doyle announced the creation of a Special Advisory Hmong Resettlement Task Force. The task force, began work July 21, 2004. It provided advice to the Governor and Secretary Roberta Gassman of the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) on matters relating to the resettlement of the Hmong refugees from Thailand. On February 23, 2005 the Task Force issued its Final Report to the Governor.

The Task Force was charged with making recommendations on system improvements, best practices, employment connections, housing, citizenship, and access to needed services to successfully integrate this new refugee population into our state. The Task Force supported community resettlement efforts and advised the state agencies on communication strategies and collaboration opportunities.

Wisconsin is likely to receive up to 3,200 Hmong refugees from Thailand through December of 2005. In early 2004 the State Department announced plans to admit Lao-Hmong refugees who have been living for many years in a compound. The Hmong assisted the United States during the Vietnam War, when they were recruited by the CIA in the fight against communist rebels in Laos. More than 300,000 Hmong, fearing retribution after the communist takeover in 1975, fled to neighboring Thailand. Approximately 15,000 will be admitted to the United States under this resettlement program.