June 1, 1987 - MPR’s Tom Meersman reports on Refugee Remembrance Day, where former refugees gathered to participate in community event. The majority were Southeast Asians: Vietnamese, Cambodians, Hmong and Laotians.
June 1, 1987 - Hmong US Ambassador for Refugees Jonathan Moore took time to visit the Twin Cities. The government of Thailand has indicated that it will close several more refugee camps at the end of June.
September 18, 1987 - MPR’s Tom Meersman reports from Twin Cities International Airport as Northwest flight 128 arrives from Bangkok. Among its passengers are nearly three dozen Hmong refugees planning to resettle in Minnesota. Meersman speaks with officials about the difficulites to be faced…including housing, language, and jobs.
December 23, 1987 -
February 4, 1988 - Midday presents the documentary “Liberty's Children: A Celebration of Citizenship," produced by KLSE’s Carol Gunderson. The half-hour documentary profiles a Mayo Clinic medical student from Mexico and his struggle to become an American citizen. It also includes commentary from others on their experience in becoming a U.S. citizen.
May 7, 1988 -
May 11, 1988 - Older Southeast Asian refugees, specifically Cambodian, Lao, and Hmong find themselves struggling with a different culture environment after fleeing war and refugee camps. MPR’s Jim Bikal looks at some of the local efforts, including that at the Older Refugees Program, being made to support elders in the communities.
September 7, 1988 - MPR’s Tom Meersman reports on the largest influx of Hmong refugees to arrive in Minnesota since 1981. Meersman speaks with numerous officials about the challenges that arise for both the refugees and organizations trying to assist.
October 17, 1988 - Midday presents a special Mainstreet Radio documentary, entitled “Migrant Farm Workers.” The documentary profiles migrant farm workers in St. James who came to Minnesota, and wound up staying here. Following the documentary, Jose Trejo, executive director of the Spanish Speaking Affairs Council, answers listener questions about issues facing Hispanics in Minnesota.
October 22, 1988 -