Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
1563033
label
Indochina Refugees - Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees (1)
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
1563033
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
Indochina Refugees - Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees (1)
citationUrl
collections
John O. Marsh Files (Ford Administration)
John Marsh's General Subject Files
subjects
Vietnam (Republic)
Independent regulatory commissions
Refugees
Vietnamese Americans
thumbnailUrl
largeImageUrl
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
1563033
coverageEndDate
logicalDate
1975-06-30
month
6
year
1975
coverageStartDate
logicalDate
1975-05-01
month
5
year
1975
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
cc54d6013d9b2391
ocrText
The original documents are located in Box 19, folder "Indochina Refugees - Presidential
Advisory Committee on Refugees (1)" of the John Marsh Files at the Gerald R. Ford
Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 19 of the John Marsh Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 25, 1975
MR. MARSH:
Dick Smyser dropped the
attached by for your perusal.
Said he was sending copies of
it to Bill Walker and Bill Baroody,
and hoped you might have comments
with regard to "types or names
of individuals", etc.
He'll be in touch with you on
Monday.
connie
7502689
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM FOR: Henry A. Kissinger
FROM
: L. Dean Brown Inter-Agency Task Force
SUBJECT
: Proposal for a President's Committee
for Vietnamese and Cambodian Refugee
Relief
I am attaching a proposal for the establishment of a
Presidential committee composed of private citizens
to mobilize and focus popular support for the
resettlement in the U.S. of refugees from Vietnam
and Cambodia. This proposal has my support. If it
is accepted, the Office of the Chairman should be
housed in the White House, but elsewhere than within
the NSC structure. The staff office for the Committee
would be located in a private office building else-
where in the Washington area.
Attachment:
Memorandum for the President
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM FOR:
The President
FROM:
Henry A. Kissinger
SUBJECT:
National Committee for Vietnamese
and Cambodian Refugees
A President's Committee, composed of leaders from the
private sector handled the resettlement of Hungarian
refugees in 1956. It was an effective organization; it
did the job and then went out of business.
We propose a similar National Committee for Vietnamese
and Cambodian refugee relief which would serve to mobilize
the American public in a national humanitarian effort for
assistance to these refugees.
The need for speed is critical. Refugees are arriving
in Guam and other staging areas outside the United States.
International organizations will resettle some of these
refugees in countries other than the U.S. However,
those refugees who will be resettled in the U.S. should be
moved in the quickest possible time frame.
The purpose of the Committee would be entirely humanitarian -
to coordinate private and government efforts to resettle
Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees who are admitted into the
United States. These efforts will include job opportunities,
scholarships, and general resettlement assistance.
The Committee should be headed by a. notable individual who
would be the President's personal representative for Viet-
namese and Cambodian refugee relief. He would be assisted
by a group of about 20 similarly well-known people from
a broad spectrum of the private sector.
Given the present state of public uneasiness over the
settlement of Vietnamese in the US., initially the
committee should work quietly. It should elicit contri-
butions from donors for charitable organizations, begin
to sensitize the media to the settlement problem, allaying
exaggerated fears about economic and social impact on
America which the refugee and dependents present.
Suggested categories could include the following:
Education
Business
Labor
Civil Rights
Humanitarian Organizations
Media
The President's representative might be located in
the White House; the Committee would have offices
in a private office building in Washington. Fund-
ing would come ideally from the private sector
and foundations, but the United States must be
prepared to provide some initial support.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 5, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
THRU:
COUNSELLOR MARSH
gun
FROM:
TED MARRS gern
SUBJECT:
Membership of Presidential Advisory
Committee on Refugees
The attached list has been developed in conjunction
with the Personnel Office. It represents a broad
spectrum of this country's interests.
Assuming a committee membership of about 25, an
asterisk has been placed beside the 25 names deemed
most preferable. The remaining names are alternates.
Recommend you approve for membership those individuals
denoted by an asterisk.
Approve
Approve as changed
Disapprove
Authorization is requested to make direct contact with
those approved and alternates as needed.
Approve
Disapprove
Enclosure
REPRESENTATION ON THE REFUGEE COMMITTEE
EDUCATION
*Kingman Brewster, President of Yale University
Malcomb Moos, former President, University of Minnesota
*David Matthews, President, University of Alabama
LABOR
*Peter Bomarito, President, Rubber Workers Union
*Lane Kirkland, AFL/CIO
Ernie Lee, AFL/CIO
RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
*Archbishop Joseph Bernardine, United States Catholic Conference
*Reverend W. Sterling Cary, President, National Council of Churches
*Philip Klutznick, former President, B'nai Brith
*Bishop James Matthews, The United Methodist Church
BUSINESS
Joe Danzansky, President, Giant Foods
Kim Firestone
John Harper, former Chairman of the Board, ALCOA
Edgar Kaiser, Chairman of the Board, Kaiser Industries
Al Rockwell, Chairman of the Board, Rockwell Industries
*Walter Wriston, Chairman of the Board, CITICORP
MEDIA
Helen Copley, Owner, San Diego Union
Frank Murphy, President, Times Mirror Corporation (Los Angeles)
*Ernesta Procope, Amsterdam News (Black Newspaper, NYC)
*Frank Stanton, formerly CBS, presently President, Red Cross
MEDICAL
*Dr. Kazumi Kasuga, Director, Indian Health Service (Albuquerque)
(experienced in refugee matters)
*Dr. Richard Meiling, past President, Ohio State Medical School
*Dr. Howard Rusk, prominent Humanitarian
-2-
HERITAGE
* Joe Benites, President, League of United Latin American Citizens
Tran Van Chuong, former Ambassador to the United States (Vietnamese)
Minor George, prominent Arab-American, Republican
* John Slezak, successful businessman, immigrant
ENTERTAINMENT
*Pearl Bailey
* John Wayne
OTHER PROMINENT CITIZENS
Anne Armstrong
* Ashby Boyle, National Youth Chairman, March of Dimes
Douglas Dillon
Gaetana Enders, wife of Assistant Secretary of State
Peter Frelinghuysen
* Jeannie Holmes, General, USAF
Ethel Kennedy
Eugene McCarthy, former Senator
Bess Myerson
Ellie Peterson
George Romney
Robert Sargent Schriver
Elvis Stahr, Chairman, USO
Cornelia Wallace, wife of Governor Wallace
**recommended by State Department
May 5, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
THRU:
COUNSELLOR MARSH
FROM:
DR. TED MARRS
SUBJECT:
Co-Chairpersons for Presidential
Advisory Committee on Refugees
It is recommended that you select, in sequence from among the
following options, two people to chair the above committee. It is
proposed that announcement be made at Ron Nessen's Tuesday
morning meeting with the Press, if acceptances can be established
tonight.
Option 1:
Anne Armstrong
Bess Myerson
Option 2:
Anne Armstrong
John Harper
Option 3:
Peter Frelinghuysen
Bess Myerson
NSC prefers Option 3.
FORD FAVORI
MAY 5 1975
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 3, 1975
ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR:
FROM:
JERRY JACK OAD
SUBJECT:
Presidential Advisory
Committee on Refugees
The President has reviewed your memorandum of May 2nd on the
above subject. He approved the concept of your memo as
presented at Tab A. He also initialed the approve line by the
following names suggested for his consideration as chairperson.
Anne Armstrong
Peter Frelinghuysen
John Harper
Reed Kirkland
Eugene McCarthy
Sargent Shriver
Finally, he made the following notation:
-- I have approved above (names), not as
Chairperson, but as members. (Chairperson) Should
be "male and female" Co-Ch./ Dem and G.O.P.
Also, Business, Labor, etc. on Committee.
Bess Myerson could be potential.
CC: Theodore Marrs
FORD i LIBRARY 07V830
Brent Scowcroft
Donald Rumsfeld
William Walker
MEMORANDUM
ACTION
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 27, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
THEODORE MARRS
I'm
BRENT SCOWCROFT BD
JOHN MARSH
SUBJECT:
Presidential Advisory Committee
on Refugees
The Interagency Task Force on Refugees is meeting its operational role
in regard to initial movement and care of refugees. Its intragovern-
mental role would be complemented by:
1.
Establishing a Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees. This
is believed by Secretary Kissinger and Ambassador Brown to be
a much needed complement to the task force operation.
2. A Presidential appeal in the major civic organizations for their
support. You will have an opportunity to do this at a Tuesday,
April 29 meeting which will be attended by twenty-five Presidents of
major civic clubs. You are scheduled for a few words and picture
taking with them.
A paper which describes the Advisory Committee on Refugee concept
is attached at Tab A.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve concept as presented in Tab A -
Approve concept with modification
Disapprove
If the concept of the President's Committee on Refugees is approved
there should be a prompt announcement of a chairperson. That person
will then, in consultation with us, select other members of the committee.
2
The following names (in alphabetical order) are suggested for your
consideration as chairperson:
Approve
Disapprove
Anne Armstrong
Caleb Boggs
Marlow Cook
Winfield Dunn
Peter Frelinghuysen
John Harper
Reed Kirkland
John Love
Eugene McCarthy
Ross Perot
Sargent Shriver
A
Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees
Purpose: To advise in regard to an expeditious and coordinated
orientation and resettlement of refugees from Southeast
Asia. This role will be one of facilitating and convening
to insure obtaining resources not otherwise available, over-
coming legal and governmental barriers and providing general
backup support.
Composition: The Committee will be chaired by a private
American citizen with prestige. He will be assisted
by a group of about twenty well known people from a
broad spectrum of the private sector, including business-
men, educators, labor leaders, civil rights leaders, and
private citizens, including members of the Vietnamese/
American community. An executive staff would be estab-
lished to facilitate the operations of the Committee
and to supervise the allocation of resources to recep-
tion sites located in the United States.
Liaison: Will establish lines of communication with the Inter-
departmental Task Force, with the voluntary agencies who
will play a leading role, the Domestic Council, Naturaliza-
tion and Immigration Service and the Vietnamese-American
community and others as needed to enhance understanding
and coordination.
Scope: Will give consideration to the following:
1. Moral responsibility.
2. Economic impacts.
3. Community reaction to the refugees and refugee
reaction to the community.
4. Food--adequacy and appropriateness.
5. Transport and geography of resettlement.
6. Social and traditional factors.
7. Health and environmental matters.
8. Interrelationship of governmental and volunteer roles.
9. Education - bilingual, work oriented and other.
2
10. Housing -- temporary and permanent.
11. Cultural understanding.
The Committee should call upon all Americans to con-
tribute time, money, and resources to this effort.
The Committee would not be designed to coordinate
evacuation and resettlement activities, but would
act only to locate and elicit and help distribute
the private resources which will be available to
assist Cambodian and Vietnamese refugees in this
country, to assist the activities of the voluntary
resettlement agencies, and to provide advice and
guidance on refugee resettlement matters generally.
Administration: Meetings to be arranged through Office
of Public Liaison.
"Up front" administrative support from OMB and other
White House offices should be directed to insure the
prompt development needed for effectiveness. Staff
office should be in EOB.
Financing for this Committee is expected to be pro-
vided with funds appropriated under the Vietnam
Humanitarian Assistance and Evacuation Act of 1975.
Meetings will be in accord with legal requirements
for advisory groups and Counsel will provide a
specific point of contact.
Public understanding will be supported by keeping
the White House Press and Congressional Liaison
offices informed as well as by contact with civic
and other private associations.
I
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
MAY 1 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. JERRY H. JONES, STAFF SECRETARY
Subject: Advisory Committee on Refugees
The Marrs/Scowcroft/Marsh memo which we have reviewed poses
significant problems.
Use of action verbs like "assist in orientation
and resettlement" and "will give consideration to all
aspects," including transport, food, housing. This
Language gives the flavor of a heavy management and
directive role for the Committee, rather than à
convener/facilitator role. In a management role, the
Committee would be totally unacceptable to the voluntary
agencies, whose role is essential in the resettlement
operation.
We have major reservations in the Committee becoming
a coordinative body with a broad scone of management
responsibilities. This is the appropriate role of
the voluntary resettlement agencies who will receive
contracts for this purpose, and not of this Advisory
Committee.
By not stressing the availability of crucial private
resources and roles in the assistance which will be
required, the U.S. Government might have to assume
full financial and program responsibility.
WE have prepared an alternative concept paper, attached.
Financing for this Committee is expected to be provided with
funds appropriated under the Vietnam Humanitarian Assistance
and Evacuation Act of 1975.
Finally, while we believe that the formation of this Committee
is urgent, we would strongly recommend that the President not
announce its establishment until there has been a commitment
by a qualified chairman.
James T. Lynn
Director
Attachment
National Advisory Committee on Indo-China Refugees
Purpose: Because of the numerous expressions of interest
received from the private sector, and the immeasurable
contribution that can be made by American voluntary
agencies, it is recommended that the President
establish immediately a National Advisory Committee
on Indo-China Refugees which would identify and
mobilize private resources to assist in the resettle-
ment of Indo-Chinese refugees entering the United
States.
These efforts would be designed to marshall available
resources to provide general resettlement assistance,
employment opportunities, scholarships, and other
social services that will be required by these refugees.
The Committee should be chaired by a private American
citizen with international prestige who would be the
President's personal representative. He would be
assisted by a group of about twenty similarly well
known people from a broad spectrum of the private
sector, including businessmen, educators, labor leaders,
voluntary organizations, civil rights leaders, and
private citizens. An executive staff would be estab-
lished to facilitate the operations of the Committee
and to supervise the allocation of resources to
reception sites located in the United States.
2
The U.S. Government would have representatives on the
Committee, but its primary role would be to provide
resources otherwise unobtainable, overcome legal and
governmental barriers, and provide general backup
support where required.
The Committee should call upon all Americans to
contribute time, money, and resources to this effort.
The Committee would not be designed to coordinate
evacuation and resettlement activities, but would act
only to locate and elicit and help distribute the
private resources which will be available to assist
Cambodian and Vietnamese refugees in this country, to
assist the activities of the voluntary resettlement
agencies, and to provide advice and guidance on
refugee resettlement matters generally.
The concept as outlined above will provide Presidential leadership
in a unified national effort by stressing the very urgent and
crucial participation of the private sector in mobilizing a
humanitarian reception for these refugees into our society.
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 28, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR: THE STAFF SECRETARY
FROM:
RON NESSEN
RAN
SUBJECT:
Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees
I don't have any particular recommendation on the President's
Advisory Committee on Refugees. I do feel that the President
should do something or say something almost immediately to turn
off what I believe to be a growing public and Congressional opinion
that few if any refugees should be taken into the United States.
I get a number of questions at my briefing each day and I see
comments from the public and from politicians suggesting that the
United States does not have the resources. housing: jobs. or support
money to take care of Vietnamese refugees.
I believe a strong Presidential statement recalling America's
tradition of compassion for the helpless victims of war would help
turn around this growing public opposition to take in the refugees.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
R-
Carl to Ted's
attn
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
M
May 5, 1975
JACK:
When Ted read the attached list that the
President signed off on, I expressed great
concern over the presence of the name of
Eugene McCarthy. Ted couldn't tell me
who had inserted McCarthy's name, but
assured me that they would try to keep him
in the background
...
from the song
"Impossible Dream."
Russ
rs
MAY 3 1975
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Date 5/2
TO: JACK MARSH
FROM: DR. THEODORE C. MARAM
For your signature
For your coordination
For your information
J
Per our conversation
Other: Find Package
MEMORANDUM
ACTION
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 27, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
THEODORE MARRS
I
BRENT SCOWCROFT BD
JOHN MARSH In
SUBJECT:
Presidential Advisory Committee
on Refugees
The Interagency Task Force on Refugees is meeting its operational role
in regard to initial movement and care of refugees. Its intragovern-
mental role would be complemented by:
1. Establishing a Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees. This
is believed by Secretary Kissinger and Ambassador Brown to be
a much needed complement to the task force operation.
2. A Presidential appeal to the major civic organizations for their
support. You will have an opportunity to do this at a Tuesday,
April 29 meeting which will be attended by twenty-five Presidents of
major civic clubs. You are scheduled for a few words and picture
taking with them.
A paper which describes the Advisory Committee on Refugee concept
is attached at Tab A.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve concept as presented in Tab A
Approve concept with modification
Disapprove
If the concept of the President's Committee on Refugees is approved
there should be a prompt announcement of a chairperson. That person
will then, in consultation with us, select other members of the committee.
2
The following names (in alphabetical order) are suggested for your
consideration as chairperson:
Approve
Disapprove
Anne Armstrong
Caleb Boggs
Marlow Cook
Winfield Dunn
Peter Frelinghuysen
John Harper
Reed Kirkland
John Love
Eugene McCarthy
Ross Perot
Sargent Shriver
Presidential Advisory Committee on Refugees
Purpose: To advise in regard to an expeditious and coordinated
orientation and resettlement of refugees from Southeast
Asia. This role will be one of facilitating and convening
to insure obtaining resources not otherwise available, over-
coming legal and governmental barriers and providing general
backup support.
Composition: The Committee will be chaired by a private
American citizen with prestige. He will be assisted
by a group of about twenty well known people from a
broad spectrum of the private sector, including business-
men, educators, labor leaders, civil rights leaders, and
private citizens, including members of the Vietnamese/
American community. An executive staff would be estab-
lished to facilitate the operations of the Committee
and to supervise the allocation of resources to recep-
tion sites located in the United States.
Liaison: Will establish lines of communication with the Inter-
departmental Task Force, with the voluntary agencies who
will play a leading role, the Domestic Council, Naturaliza-
tion and Immigration Service and the Vietnamese-American
community and others as needed to enhance understanding
and coordination.
Scope: Will give consideration to the following:
1. Moral responsibility.
2. Economic impacts.
3. Community reaction to the refugees and refugee
reaction to the community.
4. Food--adequacy and appropriateness.
5. Transport and geography of resettlement.
6. Social and traditional factors.
7. Health and environmental matters.
8. Interrelationship of governmental and volunteer roles.
9. Education - bilingual, work oriented and other.
2
10. Housing -- temporary and permanent.
11. Cultural understanding.
The Committee should call upon all Americans to con-
tribute time, money, and resources to this effort.
The Committee would not be designed to coordinate
evacuation and resettlement activities, but would
act only to locate and elicit and help distribute
the private resources which will be available to
assist Cambodian and Vietnamese refugees in this
country, to assist the activities of the voluntary
resettlement agencies, and to provide advice and
guidance on refugee resettlement matters generally.
Administration: Meetings to be arranged through Office
of Public Liaison.
"Up front" administrative support from OMB and other
White House offices should be directed to insure the
prompt development needed for effectiveness. Staff
office should be in EOB.
Financing for this Committee is expected to be pro-
vided with funds appropriated under the Vietnam
Humanitarian Assistance and Evacuation Act of 1975.
Meetings will be in accord with legal requirements
for advisory groups and Counsel will provide a
specific point of contact.
Public understanding will be supported by keeping
the White House Press and Congressional Liaison
offices informed as well as by contact with civic
and other private associations.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Date 5/7
TO: Russ Rouske
FROM: JOHN L. BORLING girs
For your signature
For your coordination
For your information
1
Per our conversation
For appropriate action
Other: per, your conversation
with TeD
May 6, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JERRY JONES
FROM:
TED MARRS
SUBJECT:
Funding
I have been advised by Paul O'Neill that $50,000 has
been made available for the Advisory Committee on
Refugees. This will be from a State Department source
that Is appropriate for this particular use.
Hopefully, these funds will allow operations until the
Congress acts and additional monies are available.
GERRED FORD
May 6, 1975
/
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JERRY JONES
FROM:
TED MARRS
In accord with our discussions the following listings
are provided:
At Tab A, the Presidents of major Service Clubs.
At Tab B, a proposed slate of incumbent governors,
and mayors.
At Tab c, a group of volunteer agencies, working
with refugees.
Enclosures
FORD LIBRARY
ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Miss Muriel Mawer
ASSOCIATION OF JUNIOR LEAGUES
Mrs. Mary C. Poole
(505) 255-9744
CIVITAN INTERNATIONAL
Mr. M. M. Richards
COSMOPOLITAN INTERNATIONAL
Dr. Mahlon Fairchild
DELTA SIGMA THETA
Miss Lilliam Bembow
GYRO INTERNATIONAL
Mr. Warren Schram
(519) 434-5787
KIAWANIS INTERNATIONAL
Mr. Roy W. Davis
LINKS
Mrs. Pauline Ellison
LIONS INTERNATIONAL
Mr. John Balbo
NATIONAL AMBUCS
Mr. Rodney K- Smith
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COLORED WOMEN'S CLUBS Ms. Juanita Brown
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NEGRO BPW CLUBS Mrs. Rosalie McGuire
NATIONAL EXCHANGE CLUB
Dr. Porter L. Fortune
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF BPW CLUBS
Ms. Marie Bowden
NATIONAL TRI T
Mrs. Clayton Melcher
NEEDLEWORK GUILD OF AMERICA
Mrs. Walter Thompsen
(212) 843-7754
OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL
Mr. Ralph Glasscocks
PILOT CLUB INTERNATIONAL
Mrs. Phyllis Manning
QUOTA INTERNATIONAL
FORD
Mrs. Lynette Oliver
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
Mr. William Robbins
(312) 328-0100
RURITAN NATIONAL
Mr. U. L. Lee
SERTOMA INTERNATIONAL
Mr. Thomas Bruckman
SOROPTIMIST FEDERATION OF THE AMERICAS, INC. Mrs. Ruth Klotz
THE UNITED JAYCEES
Mr. David Hale
L'enfant Plaza Hotel Info.
ZONTA INTERNATIONAL
Ms. Eleanor Jammel
INCUMBENT GOVERNORS AND MAYORS - POSSIBLE MEMBERS
Mayor Joseph Alioto (D-San Francisco)
Governor George R. Ariyoshi (D-Hawaii)
Governor Reubin Askew (D-Florida)
Governor Daniel Evans (R-Washington)
Governor James Longley (I-Maine)
Mayor Richard Lugar (R-Indianapolis)
Governor William Milliken (R-Michigan)
Governor David Pryor (D-Arkansas)
FORD 3 076839 LIBRAR
The Presidents of the following organizations which
are currently engaged in resettlement efforts could
also be used on the President's Committee. In view
of their operational responsibilities, I would recom-
mend that a liaison role be maintained on a very close
basis if they are not included.
U.S. Catholic Conference Migration and Refugee Services
American Fund for Czechoslovak Refugees
Church World Service Immigration & Refugee Program
Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service
United Hias Service, Inc.
Tolstoy Foundation, Inc.
International Rescue Committee
American Council for Nationalities Service
Travelers Aid-International Social Services
GREATO FORD VIBRAS
MAY 13 1975
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 12, 1975
M
ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR:
TED MARRS
FROM:
JERRY H.
The attached memorandum has been reviewed by the President and the
following was approved:
The Advisory Committee developed with Personnel
will number about 20. The list with alternates, is
attached (Tab A). Approved.
A staff of three professionals and secretarial
assistants will be required to staff the Committee
operation. Authorization is requested to detail or,
as necessary, hire this staff. Approved.
Please follow-up with the appropriate action.
Thank you.
cc: Don Rumsfeld
Phil Buchen
Jack Marsh
Brent Scowcroft
Bill Baroody
Jim Cavanaugh
Alan Woods
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 9, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JERRY JONES
FROM:
TED MARRS
SUBJECT:
Advisory Committee on Refugees
The President has agreed to form an Advisory Committee on
Refugees. Staff deliberations have resulted in the forma-
tion of a concept that a group of about 150 citizens repre-
senting a cross-section of America should be invited to the
White House for an East Room briefing on welcoming refugees,
announcement of the Advisory Committee with signing of the
Executive Order, and a reception. This group would serve
as a resource magnet to attract private sector support and
encourage a positive, national mental attitude toward refu-
gees from Southeast Asia. The representative 20 member
Advisory Committee would be the focal point for their
efforts.
Approve
Disapprove
(Buchen, Marsh, Baroody, NSC, Cavanaugh, Marrs, Woods,
Ambassador Brown, Concur)
The Advisory Committee developed with Personnel will number
about 20. The list, with alternates, is attached (TAB A).
Approve
Disapprove
A staff of three professionals and secretarial assistants will
be required to staff the Committee operation. Authorization
is requested to detail or, as necessary, hire this staff.
Approve
Disapprove
Enclosure
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
CO-CHAIRPERSONS
Lady Bird Johnson
John Eisenhower
MEMBERS
Mayor Joseph Alioto (D as San Francisco)
Governor Reubin Askew (D - Florida)
Archbishop Joseph Bernardine, United States Catholic Conference
Asby Boyle, National Youth Chairman, March of Dimes
Reverend W. Sterling Cary, President, National Council of Churches
Gaetana Enders, wife of Assistant Secretary of State
Governor Dan Evans (R - Washington)
Mayor Maurice Ferre (D - Miami)
Marshall Field, President, Field Enterprises (Chicago)
Edgar Kaiser, Chairman of the Board, Kaiser Industries
Lane Kirkland, Secretary-Treasurer, AFL/CIO
William J. Kuhfuss, President of the American Fram Bureau
Ellie Peterson
David Riesman
Dr. Malcolin President, AMA, Long Deach, California
Elder A. Theodore Tuttle, Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints
ALTERNATES
John Denver, popular singer
Minor George, prominent heritage leader
Ethel Kennedy
John McCormack, former Speaker of the House
Richard Meiling, past President, Ohio State Medical School
Clarke Reed, Republican National Chairman, Mississippi
Mayor Carlos Romaro-Barcelo (R - San Juan); President, National League
of Cities
Walter Wriston, Chairman of the Board, CITICORP
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 13, 1975
JACK,
FYI, Rev. W. Sterling Cary,
President, National Council of
Churches, is a black, and he
has accepted.
Russ
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
R / They
(Black,
3
a
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
attached is
FY I only -
no action
needed-
1
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 9, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JERRY JONES
FROM:
TED MARRS JUM
SUBJECT:
Advisory Committee on Refugees
The President has agreed to form an Advisory Committee on
Refugees. Staff deliberations have resulted in the forma-
tion of a concept that a group of about 150 citizens repre-
senting a cross-section of America should be invited to the
White House for an East Room briefing on welcoming refugees,
announcement of the Advisory Committee with signing of the
Executive Order, and a reception. This group would serve
as a resource magnet to attract private sector support and
encourage a positive, national mental attitude toward refu-
gees from Southeast Asia. The representative 20 member
Advisory Committee would be the focal point for their
efforts.
Approve
Disapprove
(Buchen, Marsh, Baroody, NSC, Cavanaugh, Marrs, Woods,
Ambassador Brown, Concur)
The Advisory Committee developed with Personnel will number
about 20. The list, with alternates, is attached (TAB A).
Approve
Disapprove
A staff of three professionals and secretarial assistants will
be required to staff the Committee operation. Authorization
is requested to detail or, as necessary, hire this staff.
Approve
Disapprove
Enclosure
GESALD VUSIT R. FORD
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
CO-CHAIRPERSONS
Lady Bird Johnson
John Eisenhower
MEMBERS
Mayor Joseph Alioto (D - San Francisco)
Governor Reubin Askew (D - Florida)
Archbishop Joseph Bernardine, United States Catholic Conference
Asby Boyle, National Youth Chairman, March of Dimes
Reverend W. Sterling Cary, President, National Council of Churches
Gaetana Enders, wife of Assistant Secretary of State
Governor Dan Evans (R - Washington)
Mayor Maurice Ferre (D - Miami)
Marshall Field, President, Field Enterprises (Chicago)
Edgar Kaiser, Chairman of the Board, Kaiser Industries
Lane Kirkland, Secretary-Treasurer, AFL/CIO
William J. Kuhfuss, President of the American Fram Bureau
Ellie Peterson
David Riesman
Dr. Malcolm Todd, President, AMA, Long Beach, California
Elder A. Theodore Tuttle, Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Sainje
ALTERNATES
John Denver, popular singer
Minor George, prominent heritage leader
Ethel Kennedy
John McCormack, former Speaker of the House
Richard Meiling, past President, Chio State Medical School
Clarke Reed, Republican National Chairman, Mississippi
Mayor Carlos Romaro-Barcelo (R - San Juan); President, National League
of Cities
Walter Wriston, Chairman of the Board, CITICORP
GERALD ADDREIT FORD
May 14, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR: THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
JACK MARSH
Attached is the memoraadum on the refugees which I showed you this
merning. It was my impression that this was satisfactory. However,
I would be grateful for your final clearance so that Dr. Marrs can
proceed with the formal arrangements. Therefore, I would appreciate
your response to the following:
Approve committee membership.
Disapprove committee membership.
Approve single chairman.
Disapprove single chairman.
I
Increase size of the membership.
Decrease size of the membership.
GERMLD FORD VIBRAST
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 13, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JACK MARSH
FROM:
TED MARRS sad
Jack:
The people on the attached list are pleased to serve on the President's
Advisory Committee on Refugees, as of Wednesday, May 14, at 8:00 a. m.
Lady Bird could not serve at this time. She is very supportive but is
overly obligated, is limiting herself to non-controversial issues, and is
going to Africa. She also sends her love and respect to the President
and Mrs. Ford.
John Eisenhower appreciated the Moscow trip, is honored to serve, and
will serve as Chairman. He believes, and I concur, that a single Chairman
can simplify things for all of us.
Ethel Kennedy is considering participation and will call back tomorrow
morning. She states that she so much wants to do something for that
nice man of whom she thinks so highly the President.
We are also continuing to try to reach Ellie Peterson who is "walking
in Scotland."
Attachment
PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
Chairman: John Eisenhower
Mayor Joseph Alioto
Archbishop Joseph Bernardine, United States Catholic Conference
Ashby Boyle, National Youth Chairman, March of Dimes
Reverend W. Sterling Cary, President, National Council of Churches
John Denver, Popular Singer
Gaetana Enders, Has been active in refugee matters
Governor Dan Evans
Mayor Maurice Ferre
Minor George, Prominent Heritage Leader
Edgar Kaiser, Chairman of the Board, Kaiser Industries
Philip Klutznick, Past President, B'nai Brith
William J. Kuhfuss, President of the American Farm Bureau
George Meany, AFL-CIO
Clarke Reed, Republican National Chairman, Mississippi
Dr. Malcomb Todd, AMA, Long Beach, California
Elder A. Theodore Tuttle, Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter
Day Saints
M
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 15, 1975
MEMORANDUM TO:
JACK MARSH
FROM:
RUSS ROURKE
Jack, Ted Marrs advises that there will be an
East Room Presidential signing of the refugee
proclamation at noon on Monday, May 19.
Approximately 150 people will be attending.
The President will enter with John Eisenhower.
Coffee and sandwiches will be served following
ceremony. Ted is arranging a series of briefs,
and is also attempting to arrange a flight to Fort
Chaffey for a number of the Advisory Committee
members.
Ted wants to know whether you want to play an
important part in the ceremony. If you do, please
advise.
P.S. Ted has already put in a request to Dick
Cheney for an aircraft to transport approximately
25 people of the above group to Chaffer.
Gully says the 707 aircraft is available, but
they need Cheney's sign-off. Ted would
appreciate your MAKING all to Cheney
re this request.
Jach
I already advised
Ted of attached -
R.
MAY 15 1975
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 15, 1975
ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JACK MARSH
FROM:
JERRY N my
The attached was returned in the President's outbox with the
following responses:
-- - Approve committee membership.
- - Approve single chairman.
Please follow-up with the appropriate action.
Thank you.
cc: Don Rumsfeld
INC
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 14, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR.
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
JACK MARSE gn
Attached is the memorandum on the refugees which I showed you this
morning. It was my impression that this was satisfactory. However,
I would be grateful for your final clearance so that Dr. Marrs can
proceed with the formal arrangements. Therefore, I would appreciate
your response to the following:
Approve committee membership.
Disapprove committee membership.
Approve single chairman.
Disapprove single chairman.
Increase size of the membership.
Decrease size of the membership.
FORD is LIBRARY 038800
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 13, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JACK MARSH
FROM:
TED MARRS Did
Jack:
The people on the attached list are pleased to serve on the President's
Advisory Committee on Refugees, as of Wednesday, May 14, at 8:00 a.m.
Lady Bird could not serve at this time. She is very supportive but is
overly obligated, is limiting herself to non-controversial issues, and is
going to Africa. She also sends her love and respect to the President
and Mrs. Ford.
John Eisenhower appreciated the Moscow trip, is honored to serve, and
will serve as Chairman. He believes, and I concur, that a single Chairman
can simplify things for all of us.
Ethel Kennedy is considering participation and will call back tomorrow
morning. She states that she so much wants to do something for that
nice man of whom she thinks so highly . - the President.
We are also continuing to try to reach Ellie Peterson who is "walking
in Scotland."
Attachment
FORD & LIBRARY
PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
Chairman: John Eisenhower
Mayor Joseph Alioto
Archbishop Joseph Bernardine, United States Catholic Conference
Ashby Boyle, National Youth Chairman, March of Dimes
Reverend W. Sterling Cary, President, National Council of Churches
John Denver, Popular Singer
Gaetana Enders, Has been active in refugee matters
Governor Dan Evans
Mayor Maurice Ferre
Minor George, Prominent Heritage Leader
Edgar Kaiser, Chairman of the Board. Kaiser Industries
Philip Klutznick, Past President, B'nai Brith
William J. Kuhfuss, President of the American Farm Bureau
George Meany, AFL-CIO
Clarke Reed, Republican National Chairman, Mississippi
Dr. Malcomb Todd, AMA, Long Beach, California
Elder A. Theodore Tuttle, Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter
Day Saints
FORD & LIBRARY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 19, 1975
OFFICE OF THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
REMARKS OF THE PRESIDENT
TO THE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
THE EAST ROOM
12:07 P.M. EDT
Members of the Congress, members of the Advisory
Committee, members of the Federal establishment, members
who are here just to participate:
It is a great privilege and pleasure for me to
welcome you to the White House on this occasion. I
definitely am grateful for your coming to Washington on
this occasion on such short notice, but time is of the
essence.
If I might, I would like to now sign the Executive
Order and make a few comments at a later point.
We have a big job to do, and we have asked some
outstanding people from all segments of our society to
participate. I am delighted, of course, to have John
Eisenhower act as Chairman. His experience in Government,
his leadership, will be invaluable as we try to meet this
critical problem as quickly and as successfully as
possible.
We got a great deal of support from many segments
of our society. I was extremely pleased when we received
a telegram from George Meany of the AFL-CIO. I am sorry
George could not be here, but he is well represented.
We received a number of other communications
from individuals and groups -- business, agriculture,
professions, labor, of course, many church organizations,
Government, State as well as municipal -- and the response
has really been most heartwarming and very encouraging
to those of us who felt that our country had an opportunity
to again reassert the open door policy that we have had
for so long on behalf of people who wanted to come to
this great land.
It seems to me that as we look back over our
Nation's history most, if not all of us, are the
beneficiaries of the opportunities that come from a
country that has an open door.
MORE
Page 2
In one way or another, all of us are immigrants,
and the strength of America over the years has been our
diversity; diversity of all kinds of variations --
religion, ethnic and otherwise.
I recall very vividly a statement that seems
apropos at this time, that the beauty of Joseph's coat
is its many colors. The strength of America is its
diversity.
The people that we are welcoming today, the
individuals who are on Guam or in Camp Pendleton or
Eglin Air Force Base, are individuals who can contribute
significantly to our society in the future. They are
people of talent, they are industrious, they are
individuals who want freedom, and I believe they will
make a contribution now and in the future to a better
America.
We do have some difficulties in trying to
assimilate as quickly as possible some 100,000 plus, but
the Congress has responded, organizations are partici-
pating, administrative people are working literally night
and day, and the net result is we are making headway and
progress.
I don't mean to discount the problems, but all
of you, and those that you represent, can help tremendously
in the days ahead.
I can assure you that we will give maximum
attention, we will make every conceivable effort, to see
to it that your job is made easier so that our new friends
can start a new life in this great country. We are a
big country.
Some 35,000 heads of family are joining us.
Sixty-five percent of those who are coming are children.
They deserve a better chance. They deserve the warmth and
the friendship which is typical of America.
I just thank all of you for what you have done
and what you will do in making this job easier and better
for people that we want as good Americans.
Thank you very, very much.
END
(AT 12:13 P.M. EDT)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 19, 1975
Office of the White House Press Secretary
THE WHITE HOUSE
EXECUTIVE ORDER
ESTABLISHING THE PRESIDENT'S
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
Since the arrival of the first settlers on our eastern
seaboard nearly 400 years ago, America has been a refuge
for victims of persecution, intolerance and privation from
around the world. Tide after tide of immigrants has settled
here and each group has enriched our heritage and added to
our well-being as a nation.
For many residents of Southeast Asia who stood by
America as an ally and who have lost their homeland in the
tragic developments of the past few weeks, America offers a
last, best hope upon which they can build new lives. We are
a big country and their numbers are proportionately small.
We must open our doors and our hearts.
The arrival of thousands of refugees, mostly children,
will require many adjustments on their part and considerable
assistance on ours. But it is in our best interest as well
as theirs to make this transition as gracious and efficient
as humanly possible.
I have determined that it would be in the public interest
to establish an advisory committee to the President on the
resettlement in the United States of refugees from Indochina.
NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me
by the Constitution and statutes of the United States, and
as President of the United States, it is ordered as follows:
Section 1. Establishment of a Presidential Advisory
Committee. There is hereby established the President's
Advisory Committee on Refugees, hereinafter referred to as
the Committee. The Committee shall be composed of such
citizens from private life as the President may, from time
to time, appoint. The President shall designate one member
of the Committee to serve as chairman.
Sec. 2. Functions of the Advisory Committee. The
Committee shall advise the President and the heads of appro-
priate Federal agencies concerning the expeditious and
coordinated resettlement of refugees from Southeast Asia.
The Committee shall include in its advice, consideration of
the following areas:
(a) Health and environmental matters related to
resettlement;
(b) the interrelationship of the governmental and
volunteer roles in the resettlement,
(c) educational and cultural adjustments required by
these efforts;
more
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
2
(d) the general well-being of resettled refugees
and their families in their new American communities; and
(e) such other related concerns as the President may,
from time to time, specify.
The Committee shall also seek to facilitate the location,
solicitation, and channeling of private resources for these
resettlement efforts, and to establish lines of communication
with all concerned governmental agencies, relevant voluntary
agencies, the Vietnamese-American community and the American
public at large. The Committee shall conclude its work
within one year.
Sec. 3. Assistance, Cooperation, and Expenses.
(a) All executive departments and agencies of the Federal
government, to the extent permitted by law, are directed to
cooperate with the Committee and to furnish such information,
facilities, funds, and assistance as the Committee may require.
(b) No member of the Committee shall receive compensation
from the United States by reason of service on the Committee,
but may, to the extent permitted by law, be allowed travel
expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as
authorized by law (5 U.S.C. 5703).
Sec. 4. Federal Advisory Committee Act. Notwithstanding
the provisions of any other Executive order, the functions
of the President under the Federal Advisory Committee Act
(5 U.S.C. App. 1), except that of reporting annually to
Congress, which are applicable to the advisory committee
established by this Order, shall be performed by the
Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.
GERALD R. FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE,
May 19, 1975.
#####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 19, 1975
Office of the White House Press Secretary
THE WHITE HOUSE
The President today announced the appointment of seventeen persons
as members of the President's Advisory Committee on Refugees.
They are:
Joseph L. Alioto, of San Francisco, California, Mayor, City
of San Francisco.
Archbishop Joseph Bernardin, of the District of Columbia,
President, United States Catholic Conference.
Ashby Boyle, of Salt Lake City, Utah, Student, University of Utah;
National Youth Chairman, March of Dimes.
Dr. W. Sterling Cary, of Hinsdale, Illinois, President, National
Council of Churches.
John Denver, of Aspen, Colorado, Professional Singer.
Ambassador John Eisenhower, of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania,
former Ambassador to Belgium.
Mrs. Gaetana Enders, of the District of Columbia, wife of
Assistant Secretary of State Thomas O. Enders.
Governor Daniel Evans, of Olympia, Washington, Governor
of the State of Washington.
I Taurice Ferre,
of Miami, Florida, Mayor of the city
of Miami.
Minor George, of Parma, Ohio, businessman.
Edgar F. Kaiser, of Oakland, California, corporation executive
of Kaiser Industries.
Philip M. Klutznick, of Chicago, Illinois, former member of
United States delegation to the United Nations.
William J. Kuhfuss, of Mackinaw, Illinois, President, American
Farm Bureau.
George Meany, of Bethesda, Maryland, President of American
Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations.
Clarke Reed, of Greenville, Mississippi, businessman and
Republican National Committeeman.
Dr. Malcolm Todd, of Long Beach, California, physician and
President of American Medical Association.
(MORE)
- 2 -
Elder A. Theodore Tuttle, of Salt Lake City, Utah, The First
Council of the Seventy, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
day Saints.
The President today also designated Ambassador Eisenhower as
Chairman of the President's Advisory Committee on Refugees.
The Committee will advise the President and the heads of appropriate
federal agencies concerning the expeditious and coordinated resettlement
of refugees from Southeast Asia.
###
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 19, 1975
Jack --
Ted suggests you meet the group at 11:45 in the
Blue Room. You will all walk in together with
the President.
After the President has departed, you will intro-
duce only Ambassador Brown (bio on its way over).
They will include a few other very brief remarks
you might want to make.
Russ
ok!
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 16, 1975
MEMORANDUM TO:
JACK MARSH
FROM:
RUSS ROURKE
Ted advises aircraft for refugee Committee
flight to Chaffee already approved.
Ted would really like you to participate in the
ceremony on Monday.
If you do not, Baroody will, and it is thought that
Baroody is already overpublicized. Basically,
Ted would like you to introduce Gen. Chapman
and Ambassador Brown and later close out the
meeting.
Please advise.
P.S. (Should you choose to participate, Ted's
Office will prepare all the language for
you.)
JUN 18 1975
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
M
June 16, 1975
Dear Mr. Marsh:
I am sure you are supportive of the resettlement of
Southeast Asian refugees. If we are to quickly assimilate
those refugees into the American community, our National
resettlement program will require the cooperation and as-
sistance of organizations such as yours.
We are enclosing for your information background papers,
guidelines and questions and answers that the President's
Advisory Committee has prepared. Please disseminate this
material as extensively as your resources permit.
Your support of this important effort is appreciated. If
you wish to serve in a more definitive way in the reset-
tlement effort, please contact the Interagency Task Force
on Vietnam, Operations Center, Department of State, Room
7516, Washington, D.C. 20520.
Sincerely,
Theodore C. marks
Theodore C. Marrs
Special Assistant to the President
A
Executive Director
President's Advisory Committee
on Refugees
The Honorable John O. Marsh, Jr.
Counsellor to the President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Enclosure
EDUCATION
1. Language Training at the Reception Centers
Language training is presently being provided by
personnel of the voluntary agencies at the centers,
other volunteers, and by Federal and State education
personnel. In instances where a State does not have
the capability of mounting a complete program or where
it is otherwise inappropriate for the State to do so,
the Department will provide language training directly
through a private contractor.
2. Other Education and Training Activities at the
Reception Centers
The Department of Labor in cooperation with State
and local manpower/employment agencies is presently pro-
viding job counseling to all heads of households desiring
such assistance. The counselors advise on needed retrain-
ing or updating of job credentials. This service also
includes information on employment possibilities in the
areas to which they will be moving, using the Department
of Labor's Job Bank which lists job openings nationwide
categorized by geographical skill and type of job.
3. School Districts Enrolling Large Numbers of Refugee
Children
In order to provide transitional assistance to school
districts enrolling high concentrations of refugees, the
Department of Health, Education and Welfare is developing
procedures to help defray special costs which may be
incurred, particularly for English language instruction.
These procedures will be developed in the very near future,
in time to assist local school districts in their planning
for the coming school year.
4. Services for School Districts
A national clearinghouse for information on special
teaching resources and materials is now being established.
It will disseminate information to States and school dis-
tricts describing materials and resources which are par-
ticularly appropriate for the language instruction and
cultural orientation of the refugee children. In instances
-2-
where teaching materials have been designed especially
to meet the needs of these children, the clearinghouse
will distribute these materials directly to the States
and school districts.
5. Student Assistance to Refugees Wishing to Pursue
Postsecondary Education
The Basic Educational Opportunity Grants (BEOG)
program and the Guaranteed Student Loan (GSL) program,
which provide direct financial assistance to college,
university, and postsecondary vocational students pur-
suing their studies at accredited institutions, will
be available to refugees who meet the requirements of
the programs. These funding opportunities will also be
available for Vietnamese and Cambodian students who were
studying in this country at the time of the fall of their
respective governments and who wish to remain here.
HEALTH
Health problems which exceed the capabilities of
on-site medical resources are the responsibility of the
Public Health Service. Public Health Service Hospitals
and Clinics have been designated to provide or arrange
and pay for necessary off-site health care, and specific
Public Health Service Hospitals at San Francisco, New
Orleans, and Baltimore have been designated as the referral
units for the reception centers. When required services
are not available in Public Health Service facilities or
when other considerations, such as separation of a family
unit are involved, care may be authorized by Public Health
Service contract or in other community facilities.
Upon release from the reception centers and resettle-
ment in communities, direct responsibility for medical
services to the Indochinese refugees by the Department of
Defense and Public Health Services terminates, and health
care must be obtained through community resources and
facilities.
In those cases where the refugees with the help of
their sponsors are unable to obtain health insurance,
State Medical Assistance is available to cover medical
-3-
services. Sponsors can assist the refugee in register-
ing for medical assistance at local agencies where exist-
ing State eligibility criteria regarding the income and
assets of the refugee will be applied.
WELFARE AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
The Department of Health, Education and Welfare
encourages maximum coordination between State agencies,
private organizations, and sponsors in the resettlement
effort. In this way, coordinated efforts can be developed
and maximum utilization made of private and voluntary
efforts to help the refugees become self-supporting resi-
dents of the State. However, in order to meet the emer-
gency needs of refugees if sponsorship arrangements do
not work out, and to avoid a burden on State or local
resources, welfare and medical assistance will be made
available to refugees with little or no income or resources
regardless of the composition of the family.
Under the Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance
Act of 1975, the Social and Rehabilitation Service of
the Department of Health, Education and Welfare will pro-
vide States with 100 percent reimbursement for welfare
and medical assistance to needy Vietnamese and Cambodian
refugees. Full reimbursement will also be provided for
administrative costs incurred by State welfare agencies
in the provision of such assistance. In addition, within
limitations to be defined, 100 percent reimbursement will
be provided for social services which are intended to
enable refugees to become self-supporting.
To avoid complete breakdowns in the sponsorship of
refugees, medical assistance will be made available to
needy refugees even though they do not receive financial
assistance. This will enable a sponsor who may not be
able to meet major medical needs which occur to continue
to provide food, maintenance, shelter, and help in
securing employment for a refugee family.
In general, the eligibility of refugees for welfare
and medical assistance will be based on the same standards
of need as apply to other residents of the State, and the
amount of assistance provided will be based on the levels
-4- -
of payments made under the State's program of aid to
families with dependent children (AFDC). .
Full guidelines on welfare and medical assistance
will be provided to the States early next week.
SPONSORSHIP
With certain exceptions, refugees require sponsors to
assist in ensuring that the refugees do not become
public charges and to help each refugee make the
transition from refugee to a self-sufficient member
of his community.
Sponsorship can take the form of an offer of support,
employment or both. However, the sponsor must also be
ready to help the refugee with some of the less tangible
aspects of resettlement such as adjustment to a new
culture and a new way of life. Sponsorship is not a
formal, legal commitment. However, the sponsor under-
takes a clear moral commitment to help the refugee to
the best of his ability.
A sponsor, working through an appropriate voluntary
agency, state or local government unit will be
expected to:
1. Receive the refugee and his family;
2. Provide shelter and food, until the refugee
becomes self-sufficient. Shelter need not be in the
residence of the sponsor but must be adequate;
3. Provide clothing and pocket money;
4. Provide assistance in finding employment and
in school enrollment for children;
5. Cover ordinary medical costs or medical insurance.
In order to meet emergency needs, refugee families who are
eligible may obtain medical assistance through state
Medicaid programs. This assistance, however, in no way
abrogates a sponsor's moral obligation to provide normal
health assistance for refugee families.
Once employment is obtained, the sponsor will assist the
refugee to locate permanent housing, acquire minimal
furniture and arrange for other necessities.
MODEL FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT GROUP SPONSORSHIPS
1. AGREEMENT TO INITIATE GROUP SPONSORSHIP
As a first step, State and local governments inter-
ested in undertaking group sponsorship should bring
together political, business, union, church and
voluntary leadership to decide:
-- if group sponsorship is desirable,
-- what numbers of refugees can best be absorbed
into the area or community (e.g. some con-
siderations are labor market, housing availability,
and community services),
-- how to organize a task force or appropriate
mechanism to coordinate the group sponsorship.
If there is enough leadership consensus to move forward,
an initial contact should be made with the President's
Interagency Task Force (202-632-3172).
2. ESTABLISHMENT OF A REFUGEE TASK FORCE
Having agreed to initiate group sponsorship, and
after preliminary discussions with the Task Force,
an operational coordinating body, representative of
public and private sector organizations, should be
established to set up procedures in the context of a
proposal to be discussed in person with the civil
-2-
coordinator of the resettlement center nearest
you.
3. PROPOSAL DISCUSSION WITH TASK FORCE
The proposal will be reviewed and discussed with
the Chief Civilian Coordinator and his senior staff
at the resettlement center. If approved by this
group the State or local representative returns to
his or her homesite.
4. IDENTIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF SPONSORSHIP
The State or local Task Force should set up a system
to solicit sponsorships. Such offers need to be
checked in order to certify the ability of sponsor
volunteers to perform sponsorship responsibilities.
Once an adequate number of certified sponsorship offers
are certified a Task Force representative should
return to the Resettlement Center.
5. SIGN MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
Memorandum between the State or local official and
the three Interagency Task Force officials will be
signed confirming the terms of the group sponsorship
policies and procedures.
-3-
6. SELECT REFUGEES AND ASSIST IN TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
With the assistance of the Civil Coordinator Staff,
the State/local representative will select refugees
to participate in the group sponsorship and arrange
for transportation. The costs of transportation of
refugee families from the Resettlement Center to the
sponsors' locations will be borne by the Federal
Government.
7. SUGGESTIONS
--State or local governments may wish to consider
formation of a non-profit organization to
administer the resettlement program. The
possibility of receiving tax-deductible contribu-
tions to defray non-reimbursable administrative
expenses might be explored with the Internal
Revenue Service.
-- In calling for sponsorship offers, the State or
local organization should concentrate on
identifying actual family sponsors, but should
encourage individual offers of housing, employ-
ment, clothing, etc. as part of the total
sponsorship program. These latter types of
offers can be matched with possible requirements
of individual family sponsors.
MODEL FOR LOCAL ORGANIZATION SPONSORSHIP
Organizations who wish to sponsor a number of refugees
may wish to use the following procedure and checklist
in preparing a program.
A. Undertake a survey to determine the number and kinds
of jobs available in the community for the refugees.
B. Determine the approximate number of families who will
undertake the temporary housing and feeding of the newly
arrived families. This may also be done on a community basis
where two or three families living in adjacent houses could
handle a large family by splitting the housing and support
burden. Another plan could utilize public and private
facilities such as unused college housing and messing
facilities or other centrally located buildings for group
support maintenance.
C. Sub-committees should be formed to handle on the
single-point of contact basis the following logistics.
1. Contact with the local voluntary agency being
asked to process the families (Tab A list).
Liaison with the relocation center providing the refugees.
-2-
Meeting refugees at airports or bus stations and
providing transport to sponsoring family.
2. General orientation to refugee families such
as the "welcome wagon" concept.
Collection of clothing and other life support
items donated by the community.
3. Central point of contact for refugees seeking
employment. Telephone assistance for appointments,
etc.
4. Briefings and assistance regarding taxes -
deductions - medical insurance, etc. Obtaining
driving permits - enrollment of children in schools.
5. Permanent housing assistance. When employment is
secured by the refugee and he begins to have an
income, the securing of permanent housing is a major
step on his road to self-sufficiency. HUD projects,
FHA support, and/or community-supported loans or
rentals may be considered.
When your organization has familiarized itself with the above
requirements soon to be needed by the refugee it is then time
to contact one or more of the volunteer organizations. Your
-3-
local chapter of a voluntary organization is the place
to start. Discuss with this local office the type of
individuals, skills and quantity of refugees your organi-
zation is capable of handling. We suggest your organization
picks out a planning figure based on your survey. If say,
100 families are possible to resettle in your area, start
with 10 families until you gain experience. You can always
go back for more.
Major objective of your efforts must be to assist the
refugee to become self-sufficient and prevent him from
becoming a public charge.
TO:
As of 06/05/75
US Catholic Conference
Migration and Refugee Services
1312 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20005
202/659-6631
American Fund for Czechoslavak Refugees
1790 Broadway
Room 513
New York, NY 10019
212/265-1919
Church World Services
Immigration and Refugee Program
475 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10027
212/870-2061
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
315 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10010
212/677-3950
Tolstoy Foundation, Incorporated
250 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019
212/247-2922
International Rescue Committee
386 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
212/679-0010
American Council for Nationalities Service
20 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018
212/279-2715
Traveler's AID-International Social Services
345 East 46th Street
New York, NY 10017
212/687-2747
-1-
United Hias Service, Incorporated
200 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10003
212/674-6800
YMCA
International Division
291 Broadway
New York, New York 10007
212/374-2188
-2-
GUIDELINES ON INS CLEARANCES
The following was provided by INS as clarification of
INS security procedures:
Effective immediately and superceding all
previous instructions regarding security
clearance, the following definitions are
applicable and refugees meeting the definitions
are eligible for parole under the Vicom
Program.
"Relatives" are the spouse, child, parent, or
parent of a spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful
permanent resident alien.
"Extended relations" are also within the program,
and include any person regardless of age or sex
who is related to a qualified "relative" and
is traveling with the qualified "relative".
Return of security checks need not be awaited
for "relatives" or for "extended relatives".
Furthermore, return of security checks need
not be awaited for a former United States
government employee where former United States
government employment has been verified by a
United States government agency and the United
States government agency has certified that
security checks were conducted during or
prior to such United States government employment.
Also, return of security checks need not be awaited
for "extended relatives" of such former USG
employees. "Extended relatives", here, are persons
regardless of age or sex who are related to such
former USG employees and who are traveling with
the former USG employee. Form G-325 and the
affadavit form G-646 must be executed for every
refugee 14 years of age.
Refugee who meet the foregoing definitions, however,
may be released immediately provided that they have
the required assurances and the security returns
may be received at a later date.
All other persons must await the return of security
checks unless under age 17. Unusual cases involving
humanitarian factors, may be phoned to central office
INS for guidance, coordinated with Deputy Commissioner
Green.
Summary for Civil Coordinator:
IATF interprets foregoing instruction as
follows: members of following five groups
may leave camp before completion of security
clearance.
A) Spouse, child, parent, or parent of spouse
of AMCIT.
B) Spouse, child , parent, or parent of spouse
of lawful permanent resident alien.
C) Former U.S. or VN U.S. government employees
who have had U.S. security check verified
by employer.
D) People related in any way to member of any of
above categories and who are traveling with
them.
E) People under 17.
Prior to departure of these people from camps, all
other processing, including verified sponsorship,
must be completed.
PROCESSING OF INDOCHINESE REFUGEES
This message establishes guidelines and procedures for
processing Indochinese refugees quickly through the
reception areas in the United States while still insuring
that the refugees are properly resettled and that the
possibility of their becoming a public charge is reduced.
The goal is to make Indochinese refugees self-supporting
members of their communities in the shortest possible
time.
GENERAL:
The guidelines and procedures set forth in this message
should be followed at each processing center. However,
the Senior Civil Coordinator may modify these procedures
to fit his particular needs. He should notify the Inter-
Agency Task Force, Washington, D. C. of major changes.
Processing should be accomplished expeditiously.
Arriving refugees should begin processing as soon as
practicable. The elements of processing are: (A)
Reception; (B) Immigration and Naturalization Service
In-Processing; (C) Issuance of Social Security Numbers;
(D) Health, Education Welfare, Health and Social
Services Counselling; (E) Sponsorship Verification;
(F) INS Final Processing (Security Check Verification);
(G) Final Outprocessing and Travel.
SECURITY CLEARANCES:
Results of security checks are required before release
from refugee camps for all refugees 17 and over except:
(A) relatives of either American citizens or permanent
resident aliens; and (B) former U.S. Government employees
having had valid security clearances. Security checks on
persons in these categories will be performed after they
have arrived at their final destination.
SPONSORSHIP- (SEE ANNEX D ALSO) :
With certain exceptions, refugees require sponsors to
assist in insuring that the refugees do not become
public charges and to help each refugee make the
transition from refugee status to status as a self-sufficient
member of his community.
39
Continued - Processing of Indochinese Refugees
Sponsorship can take the form of an offer of support,
employment or both. However, the sponsor must also be
ready to help the refugee with some of the less tangible
aspects of resettlement such as adjustment to a new
culture, acquainting the refugee with American law and
requirements. Sponsorship is not a formal, legal commit-
ment. However, the sponsor undertakes a clear moral com-
mitment to help the refugee to the best of his ability.
SPONSORSHIP REQUIREMENTS:
A sponsor, in conjunction with an appropriate Volag, will
be expected to:
1. Receive the refugee and his family;
2. Provide shelter and food, until the refugee
becomes self-sufficient. Shelter need not be in the resi-
dence of the sponsor but must be adequate;
3 Provide clothing and pocket money;
4. Provide assistance in finding ployment and in
school enrollment for children;
5. Cover ordinary medical costs or medical insurance.
Once employment is obtained, the sponsor will assist the
refugee to locate permanent housing, acquire minimal furni-
ture and arrange for utilities.
PROCESSING OF REFUGEES BY CATEGORY:
The following procedures will apply for the processing of
various refugee categories:
1. Refugees without sponsors:
Voluntary agencies will play the major role in re-
settling refugees by matching them with specific sponsors by
obtaining the pledges of individuals, churches or community
groups to resettle the refugees and by matching other offers
of sponsorship that are not specific as to persons or family.
(ANNEX A).
40
Continued - Processing of Indochinese Refugees
The Department of State has received a number of
offers for sponsorship, employment, housing and material
assistance. These offers will be made available to the
Volags for verification and follow-up. Similar offers
received at the reception centers should be referred to
Voluntary Agency representatives at the centers.
2. Refugees specifically named by a sponsor:
Offers to sponsor a named individual or family which
can be matched with refugees of the same name at the camps
should be referred to a Volag for verification. Because of
the similarity of Vietnamese names, the Volag should first
verify that the correct refugees have been located. In cases
where a sponsor has named a specific family or the refugee
has named a proposed sponsor, the Volag will make appropriate
inquiries of the sponsor to confirm his willingness to help
the refugee and to verify the plans for resettling the refugee.
The responsibilities the sponsor is assuming will be explained
to the sponsor. As required, the Volag will arrange for a
local check to determine insofar as possible whether the spon-
sor has the means needed for sponsorship.
Prospective sponsors should be requested to send a
statement or telegram to the individual refugee in care of the
American Red Cross at the local camp or to certify to the
Volag representative in the sponsor's locality that he under-
stands the obligations of sponsorship and will make every
effort to provide or assist the named refugees in obtaining
housing, employment and other assistance which will lead to
self-sufficiency. Statement should be signed and contain
address and telephone number of sponsor. We are asking the
Volags to publicize the availability of their direct-name
sponsorship service. (ANNEX B).
If the sponsor is determined to be responsible by
the Volag, INS will authorize the release of the refugee
from camp. Those cases considered doubtful by the Volag will
be rejected and the refugee will be resettled by other
voluntary agency efforts.
3. Refugees with independent means.
Certain refugees may have access to personal re-
sources which will enable them to be self-sustaining. These
refugees may require only brief counselling to direct them
to a resettlement location. A single adult or family with
41
Continued - Processing of Indochinese Refugees
at least one adult with facility in English, vocational
skills and a general idea of a resettlement location can
meet the self-sustaining test if the family has average
resources of $4000 per capita, exclusive of transportation.
A board at each camp comprised of officials of State, INS
and HEW will make the determination of self-sufficiency and
authorize release from camp. Refugees determined to have
adequate personal funds should not be maintained at camps
at USG expense once security checks are completed.
The board will interview the refugee and determine
whether he can adequately meet the above test of self-
sufficiency. If he does, he will be certified for departure
from camp without referral to a Voluntary Agency and without
the requirement for sponsorship.
4. Relatives of American citizens and permanent aliens:
HEW, with the assistance of the Red Cross, will
verify the willingness and ability of the named relative to
"sponsor" and resettle the refugee. Once confirmed, INS
will release those refugees without an additional sponsor-
ship requirement. If HEW decides the sponsor is unable to
care for the refugees, the case will be passed to an accredi-
ted Voluntary Agency for processing. "Relatives" of U.S.
citizens includes spouse, parents, grandparents, children,
grandchildren, unmarried siblings and handicapped dependents.
5. Offers by former employers:
If sponsorship is offered by a former employer,
the offer will be reviewed by the board established under
Section 3, and if the former employer is deemed to be re-
sponsible - a major corporation, charitable group or USG -
the refugee will be released to the employer without Volun-
tary Agency assistance. If the employer cannot offer the
full range of sponsor services, he should be put it. touch
with an approved resettelement Voluntary Agency.
If an employer proposes to send the refugee outside
the United States to work, the refugee should consult with
INS to ensure that appropriate travel and re-entry documents
are issued.
42
Continued - Processing of Indochinese Refugees
6. Travel:
The refugee may travel at his own expense, the ex-
pense of his sponsor, or government expense. Government-
paid travel should not be relied upon and at a minimum,
partial payment by the sponsor or refugee should be attempted.
However, government-paid travel is preferred over jeopardizing
sponsorship or depriving the refugee of essential funds re-
quired for resettlement. In order to determine eligibility
for government travel expenses, the assets of the refugee or
sponsor should be verified by HEW before travel is authorized
at government expense. Documentation of the lack of ability
of the refugee or sponsor to finance travel is required. At-
tached at ANNEX C is a sample form which may be used by the
refugee or sponsor to authenticate the requirement for travel
at government expense.
CLEARANCES:
This message has been cleared with the appropriate government
agencies and has been discussed with the Voluntary Agencies.
43
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS -- AND THEIR ANSWERS
Q. How long will the reception centers be in operation?
A. Those in the Western Pacific will close out as the last refugees
leave for the United States, third countries or, at their own
request, return to Indochina.
The four reception centers in the continental U. S. are planned
as flow-through facilities through which the refugees may be
properly security-checked and processed before joining their
sponsors. The time involved is currently taking longer than it
should, a problem the Task Force is working hard to resolve.
If we are successful, the reception centers' life span may range
from 90 days to perhaps 6 months.
Eglin Air Force Base in Florida will have the shortest use; it
will be phased out just as soon as the speed-up in processing
permits.
Q. Will there be a fifth reception site in the U. S.?
A. We do not envision that the necessity will arise. In fact, we
are planning to phase out Eglin AFB as early as it may prove
teasible and to continue to refine our procedures at Pendleton,
Chaffee, and Indiantown Gap so as to be able to manage with three
reception centers only.
Q. Will one camp be established for "residual" refugees -- hard-to-
place, unskilled, illiterate, or even excludable by INS?
A. No such facility is envisioned or planned. The voluntary
agencies will continue to seek sponsors for all refugee families.
The search may take longer for some families than for others,
but it is extremely doubtful that the numbers will be high enough
to require the indefinite management of a Defense Department
installation.
The Immigration and Naturalization Service will be judging each
excludable refugee on a case-by-case basis and will determine
its own requirements. It should be noted that INS has found fewer
than 30 refugees to be undesirable out of the first approximately
50,000 that have been checked.
-1-
Q. What is a Sponsor? What are his responsibilities?
A. A sponsor may be an individual, a family, a church, a service
or other organization, or a business firm which has made a
moral commitment to do everything possible to help a refugee
family from the moment it arrives in the community until such
time as the family is self-supporting. The Sponsor provides
or arranges for shelter, food, counselling, job-seeking, and
assimilation into American life. In so doing, the Sponsor has
the cooperation of a Voluntary Agency.
Q. What is the role of the Voluntary Agencies?
A. The traditional voluntary agencies (see attached list) are
responsibile for the actual resettlement of the refugee families.
They locate sponsors, investigate the willingness and capability
of sponsors to undertake the necessary commitment, interview
families and attempt to match ,sponsors and families in the most
felicitous arrangement. Voluntary Agencies also stand ready to
assist sponsors financially (with funds made available to them
under the terms of their contracts with the U. S. Government) and
to find secondary sponsors in the unhappy event that the original
choices do not work out.
Q. What is the role of State and Local Governments?
A. State and local governments may act as sponsors by applying
directly to the IATF and indicating how many refugee families
they believe they are in a position to assist. Funds will be
made available for this purpose by the IATF, which will reim-
burse the state or local government's resettlement expenses up
to a total of $500 per each refugee successfully resettled.
Q. What about those who want to go home?
A. The United States believes in freedom of movement; those Viet-
namese or Cambodians who indicate a desire to return to Indochina
are free to do so. Since the USG is not in a position to fly
repatriates back to Indochina, it has called upon the UN High
Commissioner for Refugees to assume his traditional role in these
instances. The IATF is providing the UNHCR with the names and
locations of all refugees who have expressed a wish to return.
-2-
The UNHCR, or its assigned representative, will interview
each one to insure that the decision has been made volun-
tarily. The UNHCR requires that each refugee seeking repatri-
ation fill out a quesstionnaire which it will submit to the
authorities in Vietnam. UNHCR will arrange flights for those who
are accepted back through the International Committee of the
Red Cross (ICRC) and/or the Inter-Governmental Committee for
European Migration (ICEM), each of whom is also taking up its
traditional role.
Q. What about refugees who may prefer to go to third countries?
A. Even before April 29, the USG had begun to internationalize the
resettlement of the refugees, through bilateral discussions and
through the UNHCR and ICEM. Several countries, notably Canada
and France, have sent immigration officers to Guam and/or the
reception centers. As of May 26, more than 2,000 refugees have
gone to other countries, Canada, Australia, France, the
Philippines, and Okinawa taking the largest numbers.
Q. What is the legal status of a refugee in the U. S.?
A. The Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees are entering as "parolees"
under Section 212 (d) (5) of the Immigration and Naturalization
Service is issuing each one an I-94 which identifies the holder
as a Vietnamese refugee who has been paroled into the United
States under Section 212 (d) (5) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act with authority to work.
The refugee may later seek to change his status to lawful perma-
nent resident of the United States under Section 245 of the
Immigration and Nationality Act if eligible for such adjustment
or under such subsequent. legislation as may be enacted by the
Congress. Thereafter, he may begin the procedure leading to
citizenship. The Vietnamese and Cambodians who were already in
this country when their governments fell, and who wish to remain,
may also seek an adjustment of status from that under which they
entered (such as students or visitors) to the above. Pending the
availability of this remedy, Immigration and Naturalization Service
will not forcibly require them to return to their homelands. Their
status will be that of aliens in "indefinite voluntary departure"
-3-
and they will be permitted to remain indefinitely and accept
full-time employment.
Q. To what public assistance benefits are the refugees entitled?
A. All benefits to which U. S. citizens are entitled, provided
they meet the same eligibility requirements. The assistance
would include financial and medical assistance and related.
social services. The Federal Government (HEW) will reimburse
the States 100% for any sums spent in this manner.
Q. Is there a locator?
A. We hope to have an efficient locator system some time in June
which will help to find individual refugees in the restaging or
reception sites. It will not be possible to locate a family
once it has left USG control and joined its sponsor, however.
Q. Is there a profile of the refugee community? What is known
about skills, occupations, literacy, etc.?
A. No one has yet been able to answer that question on the basis
of a valid scientific sample. Again, in June, we hope to have
enough information from the extended biographic sheets the
refugees are now required to fill out to draw a definite picture
of a representative number of refugees for the first time.
Q. How is the program being funded?
A. By the Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1975
(PL94-23) signed into law by the President on May 24. It pro-
vides 405 million dollars which will be spent as follows:
$155 million for daily maintenance at the restaging and reception
centers; $65 million for the Airlift; $70 million for resettle-
ment costs (furnished to VOLAGS) ; $100 million for subsequent
welfare and medical services; $15 million for the movement of
refugees to third countries. An additional $98 million, made
available for previous Foreign Assistance Act funds, paid for
the evacuation sea and airlift and for the opening up of the
restaging and reception sites.
Inter-Agency Indo-China Task Force
06/04/75