New book honors 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugees arriving in WA

Fifty years ago, Washington welcomed the first of thousands of Southeast Asian refugees fleeing war and conflict in their home countries.

A new book captures 15 stories of first-generation refugees and their descendants and how they rebuilt their lives in Washington state.

“New Land: Southeast Asian Refugees Finding Home in Washington” touches upon topics such as the challenges people faced fleeing war and oppression, the heartache of displacement, the process of building new lives in the state, and hopes for a more just and inclusive future.

It was written by John C. Hughes, chief historian for the Office of the Secretary of State, and Edward Echtle Jr., a historian for Legacy Washington.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/05/28/new-book-honors-50th-anniversary-of-southeast-asian-refugees-arriving-in-wa/