Hmong Refugees Make Final Preparations Before Departure For The US

THAM KRABOK, THAILAND - AUGUST 22: Kamee Yang age 88, one of the oldest Hmong to depart for the United States stands outside her home before leaving for the last time on August 22, 2004 at Wat Tham Krabok refugee camp in Tham Krabok, Thailand. Thousands of Hmong refugees who fled Laos for Thailand 30 years ago are preparing for a new life in America after the U.S government announced it was launching a resettlement program for up to 15,000 Hmong living in the refugee camp northeast of Bangkok. The actual movement of the Hmong from the camp to their new home, including medical screening, and necessary cultural orientation classes is facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The Hmong who often live on the margins of society in Thailand have had many problems with food, health and education because of lack of money. Since the migration started, over 1,500 Hmong have departed so far to America. On August 23rd the first chartered flight will bring 289 Hmong to America. The historical migration to the USA will finally close a painful chapter for many of the refugees who had sought safety in Thailand after the Vietnam war where as many as 40,000 Hmong were fighting for the Americans in Laos. (photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)