IMMIGRANT HOMEOWNERS: RESIDENTIAL CHOICES OF LOW-AND MODERATE-INCOME HMONG IN MILWAUKEE'S CENTRAL CITY

The 2000 U.S. Census indicates legal immigrants have reached a record population of 31.1 million. Data suggest growth will continue, significantly impacting housing markets. This investigation seeks to better understand the residential choices of immigrants in U.S. housing markets, specifically immigrant Hmong homeowners in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Employing qualitative methods, this case study addresses two questions: (1) what are the short-term residential goals and long-term residential ideals of Hmong homeowners, and (2) are those goals and ideals linked to specific Hmong cultural characteristics and experiences? This study used semi-structured interviews within 32 participant households. Additionally, physical conditions, activities, and behaviors were observed and documented. Six Hmong cultural characteristics that influence residential choice are identified: (1) large household size, (2) extendedfamily household structure, (3) strong kinship ties, (4) Hmong traditional religion, (5) Hmong desire to maintain ethnic identity, and (6) swidden (slash-and-burn) agriculturalism. Further, five long-term conditions that influence Hmong participants' residential choice are indicated: (1) economic marginality, (2) fear of crime, (3) discrimination, (4) lack ofcontrol over use of residential space, and (5) lack of control over physical quality of residential environments. Reported findings illustrate ways to identify and exploit assets resulting from immigrants' cultural characteristics and experiences in order to improve housing provision and suitability.