The Patterns of Migration and Adjustment of Two Ethnic Groups in the Rural Upper Midwest
Author(s):
Gilanshah, Farah
Format:
Journal article
Publisher:
1991.
Language:
English
Abstract:
An examination of motives for the migration of Iranians & Laotian Hmong from their first US locations to La Crosse, Wisc, the process of their adjustment to the area, & their plans to remain or leave, based on extensive participant observation at parties, festivals, & workplaces, & interviews conducted with 60 Hmong in 1987, & 12 Iranian families in 1985/86, with follow-up to determine any changes. The results show that the pull factors for the Iranians -- primarily college professors, engineers, & physicians -- were job opportunities; the Hmong were drawn by free English classes, a better welfare system, small-town living, fishing & hunting opportunities, & a homogeneous population of whites. Most of the Hmong wanted to remain in La Crosse, but the Iranians reported that they would leave if opportunity permitted.