The Lisu people in the United States migrated predominantly from the north central east mountain area of Myanmar and a smaller population from the province of Yunnan in China .

They speak Lisu. Those from Myanmar also speak Burmese and those from China also speak Yunnanese.

Culturally, they value songs and dances, all differing according to the occasion. Weddings, homecomings, harvests, and other ceremonial events all have their corresponding music and dances.

The historic Lisu religion is animism, a belief that all things are embodied with "Spirit", ancestor worship, and living in harmony with nature and all beings. Over the years many converted to Buddhism and more recently Christianity. In fact, in Myanmar and China, Protestant Christianity has become the dominant religion among the Lisu people. The majority of Lisu in the United States are faithful Protestant Christians.