During the Vietnam War, the CIA and U.S. military recruited Iu Mien in neighboring Laos to engage in guerrilla warfare and provide intelligence to disrupt the Ho Chi Minh Trail. After the conflict and Laotian civil war, thousands of Iu Mien fled to Thailand to avoid reprisals from the new Communist government. Many ended up in refugee camps and were eventually allowed to come to the U.S. in waves beginning in the late 1970s, settling mainly along the West Coast. The culture has rich traditions, but many had difficulty adjusting to Western life due to cultural and language barriers and lack of education.
Tens of thousands of Iu Mien now reside in the U.S., with many attending universities or starting businesses. There is a significant Iu Mien community in Portland, Oregon, with a Buddhist temple, Baptist church, social organizations, and businesses and restaurants. Cayle Tern, president of the Iu Mien Association of Oregon, recalls coming to Portland when he was 3 years old and is now running for City Council. The recent Powerball win of Iu Mien community member Saephan is significant as it represents advancement and success for the community, as many came to the U.S. with very little and have worked hard to establish themselves.
Saephan, 46, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1994, recently won a significant Powerball jackpot. He has lived in Portland for 30 years, worked as a machinist for an aerospace company, and has been battling cancer for eight years. Saephan stated that the winnings will provide financial security for his family and his health, allowing him to provide for his young children and seek proper medical treatment. Despite his health struggles, Saephan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to support his family and ensure their future well-being.
The winning Powerball ticket was sold at a convenience store in Portland in early April, ending a months-long winless streak. The Oregon Lottery had to go through a security process before announcing the winner. Under Oregon law, lottery winners cannot remain anonymous, and have a year to claim the prize. The jackpot had a cash value of $621 million, making it the fourth largest Powerball jackpot in history and the eighth largest among U.S. jackpot games. The prize is subject to federal and state taxes.
The Iu Mien community in Portland celebrated Saephan’s win, emphasizing the journey of many in the community who came to the U.S. with limited resources and have worked hard to establish themselves. The win signifies not just financial success but also personal triumph over adversity. Saephan has expressed plans to take care of his family, seek proper medical treatment for his cancer, and share a portion of the winnings with a friend who had helped him purchase the winning ticket. This story highlights the resilience, perseverance, and success of the Iu Mien community in the U.S.
