Bhutanese Americans: Two Journeys, One Resilient Community
The Bhutanese American story is complex, powerful, and underrepresented. It includes two distinct groups, both shaped by very different paths of migration — yet both working to build stability and opportunity in the United States.
- On one side:
~85,000 Nepali-speaking Bhutanese refugees, resettled through one of the largest U.S. refugee programs since the Vietnam War.
- On the other:
~14,000 Bhutanese immigrants, who identify as “Bhutanese alone” in Census surveys, typically arriving through education, employment, or family visas.
Both communities share heritage from Bhutan — yet face different economic, linguistic, and generational challenges. This article breaks down their profiles side by side, illuminating the need for tailored outreach and opportunity.

Key Insights
1. Population Data Explained
While 85,000 Nepali-speaking Bhutanese refugees were resettled in the U.S. since 2008, only ~14,000 individuals currently identify as “Bhutanese alone” in the U.S. Census. Many refugees, due to cultural affinity and community networks, now identify as Nepalese Americans — explaining the lower Bhutanese-alone figure.
📌 Important distinction: The Bhutanese-origin population in the U.S. is significantly undercounted if you only rely on “Bhutanese-alone” data.
2. Different Paths, Shared Barriers
Refugees often arrive with:
- Limited formal education
- Language barriers
- Trauma and healthcare needs
- Low initial income
In contrast, Bhutanese immigrants tend to be:
- College educated
- Middle-income earners
- Fluent in English
- Professionally oriented
Yet both groups require support:
- For
economic mobility
- For
franchise and business ownership
- For
homeownership and succession planning
3. Entrepreneurship & Opportunity
Both groups are showing growing interest in:
- Small business ownership (restaurants, trucking, convenience stores)
- Franchise entry points (cleaning services, food service, non-emergency medical transport)
- Youth-led tech and service ventures
However, Nepali-Bhutanese refugees often face:
- Capital access barriers
- Credit history limitations
- Lack of mentorship
That’s where targeted education, lending programs, and franchise coaching can change the game.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
The Bhutanese American story is one of resilience, adaptation, and quiet achievement. Whether arriving through humanitarian pathways or as professional immigrants, both groups have demonstrated a strong commitment to education, work ethic, and community building.
As a consultant working with immigrant entrepreneurs across the country, I believe the next chapter for this community lies in ownership — of businesses, of homes, and of legacy.
Let’s create pathways that meet each group where they are — and support them in becoming leaders, job creators, and franchise founders in America’s economic future.
About the Author
Jack Tiwari is a seasoned business consultant, community leader, and cultural advocate. With a deep understanding of the franchise industry, he helps entrepreneurs achieve success in franchise sales and acquisitions, business development, and social impact. Contact Jack at jack@thefranchiseconsultingcompany.com.











