The Issue

Since 2025, 400 returnees have been deported to Laos. It’s been an unprecedented crisis for Laos. In partnership with trusted partners on the ground, ROOTS Laos Project was founded by a group of diaspora leaders based in the US and Vientiane, Laos. 

ROOTS is focused on being an on-the-ground support system for the returnee community through mutual aid, resource navigation, and reintegration.

• • Navigating resources, government agencies, workforce, housing, financial institutions, etc

• • Orientation of day-to-day life and society in Laos

• • Lao culture & language classes by local teachers

• • Paperwork processing with authorities towards a pathway to citizenship

• • Supporting, championing, and helping returnees with pro bono or low-cost legal aid

• • Legal consultation and educational awareness towards understanding current Laos laws

• • Space for returnee community building and engagement

• • Movement and sports-based activities

• • Healing-based support circle