The author conducted research on Asian gangs, specifically Hmong and Laotian gangs operating in California. The author provided an overview of the history of the development of Asian gangs in California, including information concerning immigration patterns of Hmongs and Laotians form 1975 through the mid-1990's. Data studied were collected via police interviews, ex-gang member interviews, reviews of police incident reports, reviews of court documents, reviews of criminal justice training materials, and newspaper reports in English language and Lao. An overview of major Laotian and Hmong gangs is provided and gang characteristics such as symbolism, assimilation, alliance, organization, physical appearance, and criminal activities are discussed. Based upon the data analyzed, the author concludes that strain theory and social disorganization theory are valid approaches for studying Laotian and Hmong criminal gangs and their organization and behavior. 3 tables, figure, appendix, 16 references