The Vietnamese in Oklahoma
On April 29, 1975, the United States began its final evacuation from South Vietnam. Because of this decision the U.S. rescued and resettled approximately 130,000 Vietnamese refugees. Oklahoma became one of the largest resettlement locations, with a documented 3,689 refugees within the first year. Through the assistance of an active state task-force, volunteer agencies, and an available job market, Oklahoma was able to be an active recruiter in the resettlement of Vietnamese immigrants. Refugees settled in a variety of markets including doctors, teachers, lawyers, small-business owners, religious and community leaders, as well as janitors, security guards, and day laborers.
In 2002, the Vietnamese population in Oklahoma was estimated to be nearly 12,000 people. 80 percent live in Oklahoma City, which is home to more than 9,600. In most recent years, the Vietnamese in Oklahoma City have established a cultural hub that has branched out from the heart at N.W. 23rd Street and Classen Boulevard. With the largest population of immigrants in the state, Oklahoma City has developed a celebrated collection of Vietnamese restaurants, grocery stores, and shops designed for the Indochinese consumer.
Information provided by Erin Brown, UCO
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