New Land: Southeast Asian Refugees Finding Home in Washington

Commemorating Five Decades of Presence in Washington State

This whole country and virtually everyone in it, with the single exception of the American Indians, came here as refugees in the first place. …For us now to say that it is time for us to close the door just behind us, I think, is the worst kind of hypocrisy. 

-Governor Daniel J. Evans

In 1975, Washington Governor Dan Evans watched in “stunned disbelief” as the evening news broadcast desperate scenes from Saigon as communist troops closed in on the capital. Fearing reprisals, over 100,000 refugees fled. 

When California balked at welcoming the refugees, Washington State opened its door — wide. Thousands of sponsors answered the call. Washington’s refugee resettlement program became a model for the nation. 

In the decades since, millions more escaped oppression and violence in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Tens of thousands came to Washington, where they worked hard, raised families, and started businesses, weaving their cultures into the fabric of the Evergreen State. 

To mark the 50th anniversary, the Office of the Secretary of State has produced “New Land,” featuring compelling stories of hardship, hope and resilience. First-generation refugees, their descendants and key Washington State officials share their memories of the eventful half-century since those first arrivals in 1975. 

In his preface to the book, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs — the proud son of a Japanese immigrant — writes, “Generations not yet born need to know who paved the way” for the landmark resettlement effort. 

• Download New Land (PDF)
• Video: May 20th, 2025 Book Launch Event at the Washington State Capitol (via TVW)
• Exhibit: Our Voices: Stories from Washington's Southeast Asian Refugees (in collaboration with the Washington State History Museum)

Featured interviewees

Silong Chhun, Sokha Danh, David Gauger, Father Jo Hien, Singkham Manichanh, Jimmy Miller, State Senator Joe Nguyen, Quynh Pham, , Bopha (Chan) Sanguinetti, Touk Sinantha, State Represenative My-Linh Thai, Kahmmai (Mike)Thammavongsa, Duc Tran, Leeching Tran, Judge Art Wang, Rosa Woolsey, Xee Yang-Schell