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1505189
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Indochina Refugees - Interagency Task Force (1)
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1505189
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document
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Indochina Refugees - Interagency Task Force (1)
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Theodore C. Marrs Files (Ford Administration)
Theodore Marrs' General Subject Files
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Vietnam (Republic)
Refugees
Vietnamese Americans
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1976-01-31
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1976
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1975-05-01
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1975
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The original documents are located in Box 10, folder "Indochina Refugees - Interagency
Task Force (1)" of the Theodore C. Marrs 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 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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 10 of the Theodore C. Marrs Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Jule
Washington, D.C. 20520
Dr. Theodore Marrs
FORD LIBRARY & GERALD
Special Assistant to the
President
The White House
Dear Dr. Marrs:
The Inter Agency Task Force is finalizing its General
Resettlement Plan in an effort to provide broad guidance
to the diverse groups with whom we are working to ensure
the effective resettlement of Indochinese Refugees. As
you know, one critical element of this Plan is to increase
sponsorship offers from individuals and groups and to foster
public acceptance and interest in these refugees.
I was delighted with the prospect that Chairman Eisenhower
and the Advisory Committee would set as a top priority the
development of a Public Media and Sponsorship Campaign to
increase interest in sponsorship and resettlement activities.
I would be most interested in receiving a plan of Advisory
Committee activities with respect to this effort so that the
Committee and the Task Force will be able to better coordinate
our joint efforts on behalf of refugee resettlement.
I look forward to receiving the Advisory Committee's
Resettlement Plan at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Julia Julia Waft Vadala Taft
Director, Interagency
Task Force
Dr. Theodore Marrs
Special Assistant to the
President
The White House
Dear Dr. Marrs:
The Inter Agency Task Force is finalizing its General
Resettlement Plan in an effort to provide broad guidance
to the diverse groups with whom we are working to ensure
the effective resettlement of Indochinese Refugees. As
you know, one critical element of this Plan is to increase
sponsorship offers from individuals and groups and to foster
public acceptance and interest in these refugees.
I was delighted with the prospect that Chairman Eisenhower
and the Advisory Committee would set as a top priority the
development of a Public Media and Sponsorship Campaign to
increase interest in sponsorship and resettlement activities.
I would be most interested in receiving a plan of Advisory
Committee activities with respect to this effort so that the
Committee and the Task Force will be able to better coordinate
our joint efforts on behalf of refugee resettlement.
I look forward to receiving the Advisory Committee's
Resettlement Plan at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Julia Vadala Taft
Director, Interagency
Task Force
WITHDRAWAL SHEET (PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES)
FORM OF
CORRESPONDENTS OR TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
DOCUMENT
List
List of Inter-Agency Task Force - Senior Members (4 pages)
C. 1975
A
File Location:
Theodore Marrs Papers, Box 10, Indochina Refugees - Interagency Task Force (1) / TMH / 07/17/2015
RESTRICTION CODES
(A) Closed by applicable Executive order governing access to national security information.
(B) Closed by statute or by the agency which originated the document.
(C) Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in the donor's deed of gift.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
NA FORM 1429 (1-98)
Retugees
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Service meeting cut
VIETNAM
Fill am
WE ARE FACED WITH A GRAVE HUMAN TRAGEDY WHICH
HAS RESULTED FROM THE SPEEDY COLLAPSE IN VIETNAM.
THE UNITED STATES HAS RESPONDED TO THIS EMERGENCY
ENERGETICALLY. SPECIFICALLY, WE HAVE:
- REDUCED THE NUMBER OF AMERICANS IN VIETNAM
TO A FEW HUNDRED - A REDUCTION OF MORE THAN
ABOUT 6,000 IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS.
- INSTITUTED AN AIRLIFT WHICH HAS BEEN MOVING
MORE THAN 6,000 VIETNAMESE PER DAY. MORE
THAN 40,000 VIETNAMESE HAVE LEFT THE COUNTRY
TO DATE.
- EXTENDED PAROLE AUTHORITY FOR UP TO 130,000
VIETNAMESE, INCLUDING 50,000 IN THE "HIGH RISK"
CATEGORY.
(á) HIGH RISK: THOSE WHO COULD BE KILLED
U.S. EMPLOYEES
EMPLOYEES OF U.S. FIRMS
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES
UNIONS
(b) POL/INTELLIGENCE FIGURES/ RELIGIOUS/EDUCATIONAL
(c) HELPFUL IN EVACUATION
- ESTABLISHED AN INITIAL STAGING AREA IN GUAM AND
WAKE AFTER CLARK AFB BECAME OVERCONGESTED.
-2-
- WILL ESTABLISH THREE PROCESSING CENTERS IN
THE UNITED STATES WHICH WILL PROCESS AND
ASSIST IN RESETTLEMENT ON EQUITABLE BASIS
THROUGHOUT U.S., IN CLOSE COOPERATION WITH
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES. ONE IS OPEN - PENDLETON.
VIETNAMESE ARRIVED AT NOON. TEAMS d Vons READY- I HOPE
- WORKED CLOSELY WITH CONGRESS TO OBTAIN FUNDING
FOR THIS PROGRAM. THE $327 MILLION PACKAGE,
WHICH WE HOPE FOR THIS WEEK, WILL MATERIALLY
IMPROVE PROSPECTS FOR SUCCESSFUL RESETTLEMENT.
FULL COOPERATION WITH H.E.W. AND OTHER AGENCIES.
AIM IS FOR FULL FUNDING OF ADDED COSTS TO
COMMUNITIES.
- COORDINATED OUR APPROACHES WITH PRINCIPAL
INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES (ICEM, UNHRC, ICRC)
WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF SECURING THEIR INVOLVEMENT
IN RESETTLEMENT PROCESS AROUND WORLD.
- LAUNCHES A DIPLOMATIC EFFORT WITH OTHER GOVERNMENTS
AROUND WORLD TO OBTAIN THEIR HELP IN DEALING WITH
THIS HUMAN TRAGEDY.
THIS HAS BEEN OUR URGENT BLUEPRINT FOR ACTION. THE
FOLLOWING ARE SOME CONSIDERATIONS WHICH HAVE GOVERNED
OUR WORK:
-3-
- THE CRITICAL FACTOR HAS BEEN TIME. THE TASK
FORCE OPENED APRIL 18.
- THE PACE HAS BEEN RAPID AND SPURRED BY URGENCY
AND UNCERTAINTY OF THE SITUATION. WE HAVE NEVER
KNOWN HOW MUCH TIME WE HAVE.
- THE EFFORT HAS ALSO REQUIRED A MAJOR TEAM EFFORT.
STATE, DEFENSE, AID, USIA, INS, JUSTICE, H.E.W.,
LABOR
TRANSPORTATION, INTERIOR, CIA, HUD. WITH RESPECT
TO PRIVATE SECTOR, WE HAVE DEVELOPED CLOSE WORKING
ARC, Ac
RELATIONS WITH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES. I AM PLEASED
TO REPORT THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED SPLENDID SUPPORT
FROM ALL SIDES.
OUR OBJECTIVE THROUGHOUT THESE AGONIZING DAYS HAS
BEEN TO DEAL HONORABLY WITH THE TRAGEDY OF THE MOMENT
IN VIEW OF OUR LONG RELATIONSHIP WITH VIETNAM AND ITS
PEOPLE. WE HAVE TRIED ESPECIALLY TO BRING OUT THROUGH
THE AIRLIFT VIETNAMESE WITH A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP OF
BLOOD, MARRIAGE, OR LOYALTY.
THERE WILL BE MANY PROBLEMS IN RESETTLING THESE
FOREIGN ERIENDS IN OUR COUNTRY. BUT I AM CONVINCED,
THE GENEROSITY AND GOODWILL OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WILL
ONCE AGAIN OVERCOME THE IMMEDIATE OBSTACLES WHICH
CONFRONT US.
********
FORD
HUMAN RESOURCES RESEARCH ORGANIZATION
300 North Washington Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
May 12, 1975
(703) 549-3611
Ambassador Dean Brown
Vietnamese Task Force
National Security Council
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Ambassador Brown:
At the suggestion of Dr. Theodore Marrs, Special Assistant to the
President, I'm writing to acquaint you with some of the capabilities
of HumRRO which could be of assistance in helping prepare the Vietnamese
refugees for their entrance into the American community.
HumRRO is an independent, non-profit corporation devoted to the
improvement of human performance through behavioral and social science
research, development and consultation. We were established in 1951
as part of The George Washington University and worked exclusively under
Army sponsorship for 16 years, pioneering in the development of the
technology of education and training. Because of the relevance of our
work to civilian problems, the sponsorship of our work was extended to
other government and non-government agencies in 1967. To increase our
flexibility to serve many sponsors, we left the university in 1969 to
become an independent corporation. Enclosed is our Annual Report for
FY74 which indicates the scope of our program and the diversity of our
current sponsorships.
I believe that HumRRO organizational experience would be helpful
in making plans for an inventory of skills possessed by the refugees,
in developing organized training experiences which would better qualify
them for entering the American work force and in facilitating the
acculturation process. While we have not sought to develop the capability
to operate training programs we have been effective in defining training
objectives and developing training techniques and materials in close
cooperation with operating personnel.
-2-
We would appreciate your suggestion about with whom we might
discuss our interests.
Cordially yours,
Meredith P. Crawford
President
tld
Enclosure: Annual Report
cc: Dr. Theodore Marrs
M.P.Crawford
HUMAN RESOURCES RESEARCH ORGANIZATION
300 North Washington Street
Over
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
U.S. USTAGE
Twenty Years
A MAY12'75 2
Of Service
STATE
111 10
VA.
Mr. Theodore Marrs
Special Assistant to the President
The White House
Washington, D.C.
S/R:ORM:PEKELLY:FY
FORD LIBRARY & 0ERALD
5/15/75 EXT 22306
S/R:FLKELLOGG
S/R:LAWIESNER
daTr: Jm Jmstilson
ROUTINE
FLK
E.O. 11652:
PEK
LAW
TAGS:
ganst
SUBJECT:
I. THIS IS TELEGRAPHIC LETTER GRANT IN ASSISTANCE NUMBER
1037-
OF NEW YORK, NEW YORK TO REIMBURSE FOR COSTS INVOLVED IN
NECESSARY BEST EFFORT REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT AND PLACEMENT
ASSISTANCE AS AUTHORIZED AND LIMITED UNDER THE PROPOSED
INDOCHINA-MIGRATION AND REFUGEE ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1975 AND
THE SCOPE OF WORK PROVIDED HEREIN.
1962
2. AUTHORIZATION: THE GRANTEE IS AUTHORIZED TO EXPEND,
UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS GRANT DOLS. 500 PER REFUGEE FOR
COSTS INCURRED. FUNDS NOT EXPENDED FOR PROCESSING INDO-
CHINA REFUGEES UNDER THIS AUTHORITY SHALL BE RETURNED TO
THE U.S. GOVERNMENT.
3. DEFINITIZATION: A DEFINITIVE GRANT AGREEMENT WITH A
FIXED CEILING IS CONTEMPLATED TO REPLACE THIS LETTER GRANT
BY JUNE L, 1975. IF AGREEMENT IS NOT REACHED BY THAT DATE,
OR ANY EXTENSION THEREOF BY THE GRANTING OFFICER, THE GRANT
MAY BE TERMINATED AT THE CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT.
ASSE
FORM DS 322A{0CR}
2
4. SCOPE OF WORK: TO ASSEMBLE AND PUT INTO PLACE AT
RESTAGING SITES OR OTHER DESIGNATED LOCATIONS THOSE
PERSONNEL RESOURCES REQUIRED TO PROVIDE NORMAL AND
TRADITIONAL RESETTLEMENT SERVICES TO REFUGEES FROM
INDOCHINA-
INCLUDED IN THE SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED AS REQUIRED ARE:
{A} COUNSELING ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES IN THE SELECTION OF
RESETTLEMENT LOCATIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS WITH SPONSORS TO
PROVIDE NECESSARY FACILITIES.
{B} ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES IN THE IDENTIFICATION OF OR
DEVELOPMENT OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND THE IMPLEMENTA-
TION OF THE REFUGEES EMPLOYMENT.
{C} SERVICES REQUIRED IN SECURING AND AUTHORIZING
REQUIRED TRANSPORTATION FROM RESTAGING SITES TO
RESETTLEMENT LOCATION.
{D} PROVISION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ALL REFUGEES
THEY SPONSOR TO MEET REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYMENT, NORMAL
MEDICAL CARE, AND MAINTENANCE AND OTHER LEGITIMATE NEEDS
DURING THE RESETTLEMENT PERIOD.
{E} ASSISTANCE TO THE REFUGEES IN ASSURING CONTINUING
STABILITY IN EMPLOYMENT, SHELTER AND HEALTH SERVICES.
{F} DEVELOPMENT OF CONTINUING RELATIONSHIPS WITH SPONSORS
OR OTHER ASSISTING AUTHORITIES OR INDIVIDUALS TO MONITOR
THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REFUGEE
RESETTLEMENT.
{G} THE VOLUNTARY AGENCY WILL STAND READY TO REASSIST
THOSE REFUGEES WHO FACE IN THE FUTURE SPECIFIC
RESETTLEMENT PROBLEMS.
{H} OTHER TRADITIONAL SUPPORTIVE SERVICES AS REQUIRED.
U.S. GOVERNMENTAL ASSISTANCE WILL BE PROVIDED AT RE-
STAGING SITES: OFFICE SPACE. TELEPHONE AND OTHER NECESSARY
COMMUNICATION SERVICES. USE OF OFFICE EQUIPMENT. QUARTERS
AS AVAILABLE. TRANSPORTATION AS AVAILABLE BETWEEN
RESTAGING SITES AND TEMPORARY HOUSING FOR VOLAG WORKERS.
ACCESS TO REFUGEES.
5. PAYMENTS OF THE INDIVIDUALLY LIMITED AMOUNTS PRIOR TO
DEFINIZATION OF GRANT. PENDING DEFINITIZATION THE
GRANTEE MAY, UPON ACCEPTANCE OF THIS LETTER GRANT, IN-
VOICE ON A PER REFUGEE BASIS FOR ANY REFUGEES FOR WHICH
PROCESSING HAS COMMENCED. INVOICES SHALL CONTAIN THE
NAMES, ALIEN REGISTRATION NUMBER 7 AND LOCATION OF SUCH
REFUGEES.
6. TERMINATION: IN THE EVENT OF TERMINATION BY THE
GOVERNMENT THE GRANTEE WILL BE REIMBURSED, WITHIN THE
INDIVIDUAL AND CUMULATIVE LIMITATIONS STIPULATED HEREIN,
FOR ALL REFUGEES PROCESSED.
FORM DS 322A{0CR}
I
3
7. EXECUTION: THE GRANTEE'S OBJECTIONS IF ANY OR
ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS OF THIS GRANT MUST BE INDICATED BY
WRITTEN NOTICE RECEIVED BY THE GRANTING OFFICER AS SOON
AS POSSIBLE. NEGOTIATIONS AND BILATERAL EXECUTION WILL
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW.
8. INCORPORATIONS: STANDARD FORM 32 GENERAL PROVISIONS
IS CONTEMPLATED TO BE INCORPORATED IN THE DEFINITIZED
GRANT WITH EXCEPTION OF DEFAULT CLAUSE. ADDITIONAL
CLAUSES FOR INCLUSION IN DEFINITIVE GRANT INCLUDE:
{A} TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE-
{8} RESETTLEMENT OF DOCUMENTATION.
{C} REPORTS.
{D} ALLOWABLE COSTS.
{E} GRANTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE.
{F} ACCOUNTING PRACTICES.
[G} GOVERNMENT PROVIDED FACILITIES AND SERVICES.
10. APPROPRIATION DATA:
APPROPRIATION 195/61143
ALLOTMENT 1037
OBLIGATION NUMBER 1037-
11. EXAMINATION OF RECORDS RIGHTS SHALL BE EXTENDED TO
DEPARTMENTAL REPS.
12. ADVANCE OF FUNDS AUTHORIZED
IF YOU AGREE WITH THE CONTENTS OF THIS TELEGRAPHIC
LETTER PLEASE INFORM OFFICE OF MR. FRANK KELLOGG,
DEPARTMENT OF STATE TELEPHONE 202-632-9557. YY
THE WHITE HOUSE
For
WASHINGTON
Re fugee
May 30, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
TED MARRS
FROM:
JOHN A. SHAW $AS
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
SUBJECT:
John A. Svahn
Svahn might be a good candidate to replace Brown with the Refugee
Program.
2 Per onn conversation -
[June 1975]
EDUCATION
FORD
&
1. Language Training at the Reception Centers
Language training is presently being provided by
GERALD
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-
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS --- AND THEIR ANSWERS
FORD & GERALD LIBRARY
Q. Now 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.
2. 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 identifiés 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
NATIONAL DENCMINATIONAL RESETTIEMENT OFFICERS
FOR REFUGEE/EVACUEES -- 1975
Dr. James Thomas
Mr. W. L. Pascoe
United Methodist Committee for Relief
General Conference of Seventh-
Room 1470
Day Adventists
475 Riverside Drive
6840 Eastern Avenue, N.W.
New York, New York 10027
Takoma Park, Washington, D.C. 20012
(212) 678-6283
(202) 723-0800
Mrs. Isis Brown
International Division of YMCAs
Episcopal Church
291 Broadway
815 Second Avenue
New York, New York 10007
New York, New York 10017
(212) 349-0700 Ext. 260
(212) TN 7-8400
Mr. William Scholes
Mr. McKinley Coffman
United Presbyterian Church
World Ministries Commission of
in the U.S.A., Room 1268
The Church of the Brethren
475 Riverside Drive
New Windsor, Maryland 21776
New York, New York 10027
(301) NE 5-3131
(212) 870-2465
Mr. Matthew Giuffrida
Mr. Donald Anderson
American Baptist Churches
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania 19481
Service
(215) 768-2425
315 Park Avenue, South
New York, New York 10010
Mrs. Ella Grimes
(212) 677-3950
Christian Church (Disciples)
222 South Downey Avenue
Rev. Irvin Dawson
Indianapolis, Indiana 46207
Home Mission Board
(317) FL 3-1491
Southern Baptist Convention
1350 Spring Street, N.W.
Mrs. Elfriede Kohl
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
United Church of Christ,
(404) 873-4041
Room 1643
475 Riverside Drive
Mrs. Juanita Evans
New York, New York 10027
General Council of Assemblies of God
(212) 870-2701
Foreign Service Committee
1445 Boonville Avenue
Rev. John Muyskens
Springfield, Missouri 65802
Reformed Church in America
(417) 862-2781
2607 Palisades Avenue
Union City, New Jersey 07087
Mr. William T. Snyder
(201) 865-7646
Mennonite Central Committee
21 South 12th Street
Mr. Louis Van Ess
Akron, Pennsylvania 17501
Christian Reformed Church
(717) 859-1151
2850 Kalamazoo Avenue, S.E.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49508
Immigration & Refugee Program
(616) 241-1691
CHURCH WORLD SERVICE
Room 666, 475 Riverside Drive
New York, New York 10027
(212) 870-2164; 870-2152
DIRECTORS OF DIOCESAN RESETTLEMENT COMMITTEES
6-2-75
DIOCESE
DIRECTOR
Albany
Mr. Daniel J. Boudreau, Director
Catholic Family Services
(518) 436 9745
150 Hamilton Street
Albany, New York 12207
Alexandria
Msgr. Gerald J. Ducote
(318) 445 1424
(Louisiana)
Diocesan Director of Charities
P. 0. Box 5003
Alexandria, Louisiana 71301
Allentown
Rev. Dennis A. Rigney
(215) 435 1541
(Penna.)
Director, Catholic Charities
928 Union Blvd.
Allentown, Penna. 18103
Altoona-
Rev. Msgr. Joseph M. Luddy
(814) 944 9388
Johnstown
Catholic Charities
P. O. Box 1349
Altoona, Penna. 16603
Amarillo
Mrs. Katie McDonough
(806) 376 4609
Catholic Family Service
1522 S. Van Buren
Amarillo, Texas 79102
Anchorage
Sister Mary Clare
(907) 277 2554
(Alaska)
Catholic Charities
942 West 11th Ave.
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Arlington
Mr. Daniel Resendes
(703) 534-7161
(Northern Virginia)
Catholic Charities
210 Little Falls St.
Falls Church, Va. 22046
Atlanta
Mr. Carlos Sans
(404) 881-1361
Catholic Center Resettlement Div.
756 West Peachtree St., N.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Austin
Rev. Richard E. McCabe
(512) 451 5121
Catholic Charities
2304 Hancock Dr. #8
Austin, Texas 78756
Baker City
Mrs. Marguerite Reed
(503) 523 2902
2605 2nd Street
Baker, Oregon 97814
Baltimore
Rev. Neil McLaughlin
(301) 727 7777
Associated Catholic Charities
320 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Baton Rouge
Mr. Russell S. Lefeaux, Jr.
(504) 344 0427
Catholic Social Service
1220 Main Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802
Beaumont
Rev. William Manger
office (713) 838 0451
(Texas)
Director, Family Life Bureau
rectory (713) 835 5343
P. O. Box 3948
Beaumont, Texas 77704
Belleville
Mr. Michael II. Dalton
(618) 397 5700
Director
Catholic Social Service
8315 State St.
E. St. Louis, Illinois 62203
Belmont Abbey
Msgr. Edmund F. McCaffrey, OSB
(704) 825 3711
(North Carolina)
Belmont Abbey College
Belmont Abbey, North Carolina 28012
Birmingham
Rev. Msgr. Edward L. Foster
(205) 833 0171
Diocesan Development & Catholic Charities
P. O. Box 3299
Birmingham, Alabama 35205
Bismarck
Miss Nancy McCarty
(701) 255 0793
304 Avenue A West
Catholic Charities
Bismarck, North Dakota 58501
Boise
Rev. Thomas A. Guadian
(208) 342 1311
Diocesan Resettlement Office
Box 769
Boise, Idaho 83701
Boston
Rev. Francis X. Irwin
(617) 523 5165
Catholic Charitable Bureau
10 Derne Street
Boston, Mass. 02114
Bridgeport
Mr. Edward S. Laskowski
(203) ED4 6158
Catholic Charities
850 Norman Street
Bridgeport, Connecticut 06605
Brooklyn
Dr. Catherine White
(212) 596 8400
Catholic Charities - Family Serv.
191 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, New York 11201
DIOCESE
DIRECTOR
Brownsville
Mr. Leo Garza
(512) 787 6771
Catholic Charities Office
P. O. Box 122
San Juan, Texas 78589
Rev. Henry Gugino, Associate Director
Buffalo
Catholic Charities
(716) 856 4494
525 Washington Street
Buffalo, New York 14203
Burlington
Rev. Msgr. Paul M. Bresnehan
(802) 863 3497
Catholic Charities
311 North Avenue
Burlington, Vermont 05401
Camden
Msgr. William J. Reynolds
(609) 541 2100
Resettlement Director
1845 lladdon Avenue
Camden, New Jersey 08101
Charleston
Very Rev. Joseph A. Wahl, C.O.
(803) 327-5857
P. 0. Box 11586
2097
Rock Hill, South Carolina 29730
Charlotte
Sister Amadeus
(704) 377 6871
(North Carolina)
1524 E. Morehead Street
P. 0. Box 4523
Charlotte, North Carolina 28804
Cheyenne
Rev. Lawrence Etchingham
(307) 237 2723
Box 2247
Casper, Wyoming 82601
Chicago
Rev. Roger J. Coughlin
(312) CE6 5172
Catholic Charities
126 N. DesPlaines Street
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Cincinnati
Rev. James H. Garland
(513) 241 7745
Catholic Charities
426 East 5th Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Cleveland
Miss Diane Sherban
(216) 881 1600
Catholic Resettlement Council
DePaul Center for Families & Children
3409 Woodland Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Columbus
Rcv. Bernard J. McClory
(614) 221 5891
Catholic Welfare Bureau
197 East Gay Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Corpus Christi
Rev. Robert E. Freeman
(512) 884-1302
Catholic Charities
1123 N. Staples
Corpus Christi, Texas 78403
Attention: Sister Esperanza, O.P.
Covington
Rev. Msgr. Thomas B. Finn, V.G.
(606) 371 3100
Director, Catholic Social Service Bureau
15 East 11th Street
Covington, Kentucky 41011
Crookston
Rev. Gerald Foley
(218) 253 2889
(Minnesota)
Catholic Charities
P. 0. Box 386
Red Lake, Minnesota 56750
Dallas
Rev. John A. Matzner
(214) 528 3820
Catholic Family & Children's Service
3915 Lemmon Avenue
P. 0. Box 19507
Dallas, Texas 75219
Davenport
Rev. M. A. Mottet
(319) 323 9733
St. Vincent Center
2706 Gaines Street
Davenport, Iowa 52804
Denver
Mr. James Mauck
(303) 222 3825
Catholic Resettlement Committee
1665 Grant Street
Denver, Colorado 80203
Des Moines
Mr. Larry Breheny
(515) 243 4259
Catholic Council for Social Concern
1402 Woodland Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Detroit
Miss Dora L. Masko
(313) 237 5895
Catholic Refugee Resettlement
305 Michigan Avenue
Detroit, Michigan 48226
Dodge City
Rev. Lisle J. Pottorff
(316) 792 1393
Catholic Social Service
2546 20th Street
Great Bend, Kansas 67530
Dubuque
Rev. Thomas Rhomberg
(319) DU3 6409
Catholic Charities
2909 Kaufmann Avenue
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
DIOCESE
Duluth
Rev. Msgr. Michael T. Skumave
(218) 727 6861
The Chancery
215 West 4th Street
Duluth, Minnesota 55806
El Paso
Vincente Calderon
(915) 533 4451
1118 No. Mesa Street
El Paso, Texas 79902
Eric
Very Rev. Msgr. Thomas F. Griffin (814) 456 2978
Catholic Charities
329 West 10th Street
Erie, Penna. 16502
Evansville
Rev. Kenneth Knapp
(812) 423 5456
Catholic Charities
603 Court Building
Evansville, Indiana 47708
Fairbanks
Chancery Office
(907) LI3 5809
1032 8th
Fairbanks, Alaska
Fall River
Rev. Peter N. Graziano
(617) 676 8481
Catholic Social Service
368 North Main Street
Fall River, Mass. 02720
Fargo
Rev. Charles Hughes
(701) 235 4457
11th Street & 30th Ave. So.
P. 0. Box 686
Fargo, North Dakota 58102
Fort Wayne-
Mr. John F. Martin
(219) 422 7511
South Bend
Catholic Charities
919 Fairfield Avenue
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802
Fort Worth
Sister Mary Breen
(817) 332 1221
Catholic Charities
1404 Hemphill
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
Fresno
Mr. Joseph Laharty
(209) 237 0851
Catholic Charities
760 West Nielsen Avenue
Fresno, California 93706
Gallup
Very Rev. Leo Seramur
(505) 863 9074
Cristo Rey High School Seminary
1900 E. Mark Avenue
Gallup, New Mexico 87301
Galveston-
Mr. Paul J. Doyle
(713) 526 46 11
Houston
Catholic Community Service
1111 Lovett Boulevard
Houston, Texas 7700 6
Gary
Rev. Joseph Semancik
(219) 887 6548
Catholic Family Service
3857 Broadway
Gary, Indiana 46806
Gaylord
Mr. Richard L. Beachnau
(517) 732 5147
(Michigan)
Diocesan Director
Community, Family & Children Services
P.O. Box 700
Gaylord, Michigan 49735
Grand Island
Msgr. Carl T. Hayden
(308) 235 2162
(Nebraska)
St. Joseph's Church
Box 576
Kimball, Nebraska 69145
Grand Rapids
Rev. Joseph Battersby
(616) 459 4509
Diocese of Grand Rapids
265 Sheldon Avenue, S.E.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49502
Great Falls
Very Rev. Francis J. Saksa, Chancellor (406) 453 9389
Diocese of Great Falls
727 3rd Ave., North
Great Falls, Montana 59401
Green Bay
Rev. Peter N. Klauck
(414) 437 6541
131 S. Madison St.
Box 38
Green Bay, Wisconsin 54305
Greensburg
Sister Mary Francis Waite
(412) 837 1840
Catholic Charities
115 Vannear Ave.
Greensburg, Penna. 15601
Harrisburg
Very Rev. Thomas R. Brenner
(717) 238 7339
Episcopal Vicar for Social Welfare
1017 North Front Street
Harrisburg, Penna. 17102
Hartford
Rev. John Reilley
(203) 522 8241
244 Main Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06106
Helena
Mr. James Flannagan
(406) 442 4130
530 North Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Honolulu
Robert T. Omura
(808) 537 6321
Catholic Social Service
250 So. Vineyard Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Indianapolis
Rev. Donald Schmidlin
(317) 634 1913
Catholic Charities
P. O. Box 33052
Indianapolis, Indiana 46203
Jefferson City
Rev. Donald Greene
mission (314) 635 0169
Chancery Office
chancery (314) 635 9127
P. O. Box 417
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
Joliet
Rev. Joseph M. Shimanek
(815) 723 3405
Catholic Charities
310 Bridge Street
Joliet, Illinois 60435
Juneau
Miss Patricia Denny
(907) 586 2534
(Alaska)
Catholic Community Service
529 Gold Street - Room 233
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Kalamazoo
Sister Edna Ternes, S.S.J.
(616) 349 8629
(Michigan)
St. Agnes Foundling Home
1521 Gull Road
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001
Kansas City
Mr. Louis Finocchario
(913) 371-3055
(Kansas)
Catholic Social Service
415 North 15th Street
Kansas City, Kanasa 66102
Kansas City
Mr. Roshey Moten
(816) 756 2350
(Missouri)
Catholic Charities
527 West 39th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64111
La Crosse
Rev. William Jablonske
(608) 782 0704
Catholic Charities
128 South 6th
La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601
Lafayette
Rev. Richard Di Geronimo
(317) 457 1172
Catholic Charities
3810 W. Jefferson Road
Kokomo, Indiana 46901
Lafayette
(Louisiana)
Mr. Charles H. Oliver
(318) 235 5218
Director, Catholic Social Services
601 West St. Mary Blvd.
Lafayette, Louisiana 70501
Lensing
Rev. Richard J. Groshek
(517) 484 8491
Office of Social & Community Service
Diocese of Lansing
311 Seymour Avenue
Lansing, Michigan 48933
Lincoln
Rev. Edward Tuchek
(402) 432 6581
Catholic Social Service Bureau
home (402) 477 2178
P. O. Box 2723
Lincoln, Nebraska 68502
Little Rock
Rev. James R. Savary
(501) 664 0340
Catholic Charities
2415 N. Tyler Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72207
Los Angeles
Rt. Rev. Msgr. Benjamin G. llawkes
Catholic Resettlement Committee
1531 West 9th Street
Los Angeles, California 90015
Mrs. Elizabeth Kirsnis
(213) 385 7211
Immigration & Citizenship Division
1400 West 9th Street
Los Angeles, Ca. 90015
Louisville
Rt. Rev. Msgr. Herman J. Lammers
(502) 637 9786
Catholic Charities
2911 South 4th Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40208
Madison
Mr. Robert G. Hintz
(608) 256 2358
Catholic Social Service
25 S. Hancock Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
Manchester
Rev. Stanley Piwowar
(603) 542 5732
58 Elm Street
Claremont, New Hampshire 03743
Marquette
Very Rev. Msgr. David P. Spelgatti (906) 486 6212
325 S. Pine Street
Ishpeming, Michigan 49849
Memphis
Sister Isabella Reilly
(901) 725 5145
Catholic Social Services
85 N. Cleveland
Memphis, Tennessee 38104
Miami
Rev. Daniel Babis
(305) 371 5657
Office of Immigration Services
1182
130 N.E. 2nd Street
Miami, Florida 33132
Milwaukee
Rt. Rev. Msgr. Joseph P. Springob (414) 271 2811
Catholic Social Service
207 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53220
Mobile
Rev. Thomas D. Weise
(205) 433 2682
Catholic Charities
P. 0. Box 230
Mobile, Alabama 36601
Monterey
Rev. Felix Migliazzo
(408) 373 2919
Box 2048
Monterey, California 93940
Nashville
Rev. Louis J. Junod
(615) 383 6393
Catholic Charities
2400 21st Avenue South
Nashville, Tennessee 37212
Natchez -
Rev. Edward Tarsi
(601) 355 3411
Jackson
Catholic Charities
237 E. Amite Street
P. 0. Box 2243
Jackson, Mississippi 39205
Newark
Rev. Edward J. McHugh
(201) 371 7100
(Miss Marcie Meehan)
Associated Catholic Charities
31 Mulberry Street
Newark, New Jersey
New Orleans
Rev. Michael S. Haddad
(504) 861 9521
Archdiocese of New Orleans
7887 Walmsley Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70125
Mrs. Elise Cerniglia
home (504) 282 3339
5237 Pratt Drive
work (504) 899 6165
New Orleans, Louisiana 70123
New Ulm
Contact St. Cloud Director for counties: Big Stone,
(Minnesota)
Lac qui Parle, Swift, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Meeker,
McLeod.
Contact Winona Director for counties: Brown, Lincoln,
Lyon, Nicollet, Renville, Sibley, Yellow Medicine, Red-
wood.
New York
Sister Eleanor McNally
(212) 371 2392
Vietnamese Resettlement Office
2393
225 East 52nd Street, 3rd Floor
New York, New York 10022
Norwich
Rev. Robert E. McNulty
(203) 889 8346
11 Bath Street
Norwich, Connecticut 06360
Oakland
Mr. Frank Mele, Resettlement Director (415) 834 5656
Catholic Charities
433 Jefferson Street
Oakland, California 94607
Ogdensburg
Msgr. Robert L. Lawler, Director
(315) 393 2660
Catholic Charities
716 Caroline Street
Ogdensburg, New York 13669
Oklahoma City
Rev. William C. Garthoeffner
(405) 232 9801
425 N.W. 7th
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102
Omaha
Rev. Donald Dendinger
(402) 558 3533
United Catholic Social Services
2132 South 42nd Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68105
Orlando
Mr. Richard Logue
(305) 894 8888
550 N. Bumby Avenue
Orlando, Florida 32803
Owensboro
Rev. Robert T. Wilson
(502) 259 3028
St. Joseph Church
Leitchfield, Kentucky 42754
Paterson
Rev. Joseph A. Ciampaglio, ACSM
(201) 271 7100
Catholic Family and Community Services
10 Jackson Street
Paterson, New Jersey 07501
Peoria
Miss Betty Gilmore
(309) 674 5191
Catholic Social Service
P. 0. Box 601
Peoria, Illinois 61601
Philadelphia
Mr. Robert E. Hussar :
(215) 587 3909
222 North 17th Street
3500
Philadelphia, Penna. 19103
Rev. Richard W. Moyer
(602) 943 7231
Phoenix
1825 West Northern Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
Pittsburgh
Very Rev. Msgr. John C. McCarren
(412) 391 1002
538 Diocesan Building
111 Boulevard of the Allies
Pittsburg, Penna. 15222
Portland
Fr. David P. Cote
(207) 774 9873
(Maine)
Human Relations Services
519 Ocean Avenue
Portland, Maine 04103
Portland
Rev. Morton E. Park
(503) 228 6531
(Oregon)
(Mrs. Margaret Godfrey, Secy.)
Catholic Charities, Inc.
317 S.W. Adlor
Portland, Oregon 97204
Providence
Rev. Lawrence Olszewski
(401) 723 5326
Holy Trinity Pectory
134 Fuller Avenue
Central Falls, Rhode Island 02863
Pueblo
Rev. Marvin J. Kapushion, MSW
(303) 544 4215
Catholic Social Services
302 Jefferson Avenue
Pueblo, Colorado 81004
Puerto Rico
Sister Sylvia Arias
(Call San Jorge 201)
Services Sociales Catholicos
P. 0. Box 8812
Santurce, Puerto Rico 00910
Raleigh
Sister Ann Joseph
(919) 832 7509
1111 New Berne Avenue
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
Rapid City
Rev. William J. 0' Connell
(605) 343 3541
Office of Social Concern/Services
P. O. Box 678
Rapid City, South Dakota 57701
Reno
Mr. George T. Miller
(702) 385 2662
Nevada Catholic Social Service
215 North Main Street
Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
Richmond
Ms. Phyllis Conklin
(804) 649 9353
Catholic Charities
ext. 65
811 Floyd Avenue
Richmond, Virginia 23220
Rochester
Mr. James M. Maloney
(716) 546 7220
50 Chestnut Street
Rochester, New York 14604
Rockford
Rev. David E. Beauvais
(815) 965 0623
Catholic Charities
921 W. State Street
Rockford, Illinois 61102
Rockville Center
Rev. Edward Molloy
(516) 678 6900
Division of Community Research
& Development
Catholic Charities
50 NOrth Park Avenue
Rockville Center, New York 11570
Sacramento
Rev. Keith B. Kenny, Executive Director (916) 452 7481
of the Catholic Social Service
5890 Newman Court
Sacramento, California 95819
Saginaw
Alfred J. Ciaffone, Exec. Dir.
(517) 753 8446
Catholic Charities
710 North Michigan Avenue
Sagniaw, Michigan 48602
Salina
Very Rev. Msgr. Alfred J. Wasinger (913) 825 0208
Director of Catholic Charities
137 N. 9th Street
P. 0. Box 1366
Salina, Kansas 67401
Salt Lake City
Rev. Terence M. Moore
(801) 359 6066
1327 East 2nd South
messages can be left at
Salt Lake City, Utah 84102
(801) 322 2569
San Angelo
Mr. John Peca
(915) 655 3870
(Texas)
Catholic Community Services
P. 0. Box 4004
San Angelo, Texas 76901
San Antonio
Mr. Manuel Gonzalez
(512) 433 3256
Catholic Family & Children Services
2903 West Salinas Street
San Antonio, Texas 78201
San Diego
Mr. Burt Donaldson
(714) 233 6129
349 Cedar Street
San Diego, California 92101
San Francisco
Rev. Ronald E. Tognoli
office (415) 861 1985
2255 Hayes Street
home (415) 221 2480
San Francisco, California 94117
Santa Fe
Mr. Luis Rey Gonzalez
(505) 247 1423
801 Nountain Rd., N.E.
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
Santa Rosa
Rev. Stephen Canny
(707) 542 7191
Director of Diocesan Charities
Catholic Community Services
1114 Mendocino Avenue
Santa Rosa, California 95401
DIOCESE
DIRECTOR
Savannah
Rev. Msgr. Daniel Bourke
(912) 234 0601
Diocese of Savannah
Box 8789
Savannah, Georgia 31402
Scranton
Rev. Msgr. Kenneth T. Horan, MSW
(717) 346 9711
Catholic Social Services
300 Wyoming Avenue
Scranton, Pennsylvania 18503
Seattle
Rev. John J. Renggli
(206) 622 8880
Society for Propagat of the Faith
907 Terry Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98104
Sioux City
Mr. James K. Taylor
(712) 225 4545
Catholic Charities
1822 Jackson Street
Sioux City, Iowa 51105
Sioux Falls
Mr. Dennis Seiner
(605) 336 3326
Catholic Social Services
303 N. Summitt
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104
Spokane
Donna Hanson, Assoc. Director
(509) 456 7153
Catholic Charities
P. 0. Box 1453
Spokane, Washington 99210
Springfield
Rt. Rev. Msgr. William J. Cassin
(217) 523 4551
Catholic Charities
108 East Cook Street
Springfield, Illinois 62704
Springfield
Rev. Michael J. Doyle
(413) 732 3175
(Massachusetts)
73 Chestnut Street
Springfield, Mass. 01103
Springfield
Sister Rosaire Cantu, R.S.M.
(407) 866 0842
(Cape Girardeau)
410 Landers Building
Springfield, Missouri 65806
St. Augustine
Rev. Vincent Haut
(904) 725 9119
P. 0. Box 16443
Jacksonville, Florida 16443
Sister Ann Maura
37 Ranger Street
Ft. Walton Beach, Florida 32548
St. Cloud
Rev. Richard Leisen
(612) 252 4121
Catholic Charities
810 St. Germain
St. Cloud, Minnesota 56301
St. Louis
Rev. P. Joseph Buckley
(314) 321 4980
Catholic Charities
4140 Lindell
St. Louis, Missouri 63108
St. Paul
Miss Marguerite Loftus
(612) 222 3001
and Minneapolis
Catholic Social Service
204 Wilder Building
St. Paul, Minnesota 55102
St. Petersburg
Mr. Joseph R. Ems
(813) 344 1611
6363 9th Avenue, North
St. Petersburg, Florida 33710
Miss Phyllis Stapleton
(813) 896 2673
4215 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, Florida 33713
Steubenville
Sister Theresa Novak
(614) 282 9706
422 Washington Street
Steubenville, Ohio 43952
Stockton
Mr. William Guttieri, ACSW
(209 466 5143
(California)
Director, Catholic Charities
1205 N. San Joaqu
Stockton, California 95202
Superior
Rev. Philip J. Heslin PH. D.
(715) 392 2994
Catholic Charities Bureau
1209 llughitt Avenue
Superior, Wisconsin 54880
Syracuse
Msgr. Charles J. Fahey
(315) 424 1800
Catholic Charities
257 East Onondaga Street
Syracuse, New York 13202
Toledo
Rev. Robert Haas
(419) 248 5511
Catholic Charities
1933 Spielbusch Avenue
Toledo, Ohio 43624
Trenton
Rev. Raymond Bianchi, CMF
(201) 442 6634
Our Lady of Fatima Church
338-48 Smith Street
Perth Amboy, New Jersey 08861
Tuscon
Mr. Jerome N. Brandt
(602) 623 0344
Office for Community Activities
155 West Helen
Tucson, Arizona 85705
Tulsa
Rev. James J. McGlinchey
(918) 585 8167
Catholic Social Services
739 North Denver Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74106
Washington, D.C.
Miss Francis Rogers
(202) 526 4100
Catholic Charities
2800 Otis Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20018
Wheeling
Sister Gretchen Shaffer
(304) 233 0880
Catholic Community Services
161 Edgington Lane
Wheeling, West Virginia 26003
Wichita
Rev. Robert K. Larson
(316) 264 8344
Catholic Social Service
437 North Topeka
Wichita, Kansas 67202
Wilmington
Very Rev. Msgr. Thomas J. Reese, MSW
(302) 655 9624
Catholic Social Service
1200 N. Broom Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19806
Winona
Mr. Peter K. Walsh
(507) 454 2270
Catholic Charities
275 Harriet Street
Winona, Minnesota 55987
Worcester
Rev. John J. Doran
(617) 343 4879
Catholic Charities
53 Highland Avenue
Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420
Yakima
Michael T. Ryan
(509) 453 8263
Catholic Family & Child Service
P. 0. Box 1091
Yakima, Washington 98907
Youngstown
Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thaddeus Heruday
(216) 747 8503
St. Stanislaus Church
430 Williamson Avenue
Youngstown, Ohio 44507
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington, D.C. 20520
JUN I 1975
FORD
GERALD
MEMORANDUM FOR: THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
Mr. Ron Nessen
FROM:
alia
Julia Vadala Taft, Director, Inter-Agency
Task Force on Indochinese Refugees (IATF)
SUBJECT:
Comments on the Kennedy Subcommittee Report
A report released today by Senator Edward Kennedy,
Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Refugees
lists several recommendations related to the refugee
program. Cited below are those recommendations with a
brief statement of the Task Force position:
1. Up-Grading the Resettlement Program. Kennedy charges
a lack of Presidential commitment and urges immediate
upgrading of level of responsibility and Presidential
concern for resettlement. He states the program is
"scarcely off the ground and refugees could remain in
camps for months or years."
IATF: The program has consistently received
Presidential support, and the Task Force remains a
White House level operation with its new director, Julia
Vadala Taft, reporting to the President and his advisor
for National Security Affairs. The program is off the
ground and progress is impressive. In seven weeks, almost
25% of the refugees have been released to third countries
or resettled in the United States.
2. Resettlement in Other Countries. The report accurately
states that the Administration estimated that 20,000 refugees
would resettle in third countries and charges that the much
fewer numbers (1900) reflects on the slowness on the part
of the President's program.
IATF: The initial progress of third country placement
was disappointing. But in recent weeks the Intergovernmental
Committee on European Migration has expanded its activities
on Guam and at stateside reception centers to a point that
3405 persons have been released and many additional refugees
- 2 -
are in the process of registering for third countries.
3. Voluntary Repatriation to Cambodia or South Vietnam.
The Report comments on the "Administration's belated
recognition of the need to provide opportunities for
repatriation" but states that the Administration is working
with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
IATF: We have consistently supported the UNHCR's
traditional role to assist in repatriation. UNHCR has
representatives in Guam, Pendleton, Chaffee, Indiantown
Gap, and will visit Eglin later this week to process
questionnaires. Of the 131,000 refugees, approximately
1,563 have requested repatriation.
4. Better Structuring of Task Force and Transfer to HEW.
The report concurs with the continuation of the Task Force
headed by a Presidential appointee, but charges that HEW
should be the clearly defined focal point for resettlement.
IATF: No decision has been reached on final organiza-
tional location although the shift toward domestic agency
participation has been accelerating. The Director is a
senior HEW official and staff support from domestic
agencies, primarily HEW, is expanding.
5. Moving Refugees From Guam. The Report recommends that
due to deteriorating conditions in Guam and potential
typhoons that substantial numbers of refugees be processed
to stateside and that an additional reception center be
established.
IATF: No new centers are envisioned at this time.
With current rate of out-processing in the States, Guam will
have no more refugees by the end of July. In our initial
directive to Guam in May, we stated Guam should get prepared
to house/feed 50,000 for 3 months. We are on target.
6. Role of Voluntary Agencies. The report praises the
potential of the voluntary resettlement agencies and
chastises the ability of the Administration to work
effectively with them.
IATF: It is fair to say that initially the Volags
were unhappy with the guidance and limited planning that we
- 3 -
were able to offer to them. This was due, by and large,
to the tragic and rapid unfolding of events in Vietnam.
However, once the Task Force began organizing and became
fully operational, one of the first priorities was close
regular liaison with the Volags; in fact, senior Task
Force officials are in constant communication with the
Volags through regular meetings and through daily telephone
calls and visits. The principal officials of these agencies
have told us they have never enjoyed such close cooperation
with the Federal Government as on this issue.
7. Systematic Registration Procedures. The report also
criticizes the failure of the Task Force from the outset
to have uniform registration and data collection procedures.
IATF: Initially, this was a problem due to the crisis
nature of the operation. Now all procedures are uniform
and a major compatible data collection process is in
operation.
8. Reimburse State and Local Governments for Refugee
Expenses. The Report states that a clarification of
HEW reimbursement policy is long-overdue.
IATF: In Congressional testimony and communications
to Governors and State Welfare Agencies, the broad guidelines
for reimbursement have been explained. HEW will issue
regulations on reimbursement this week.
9. Training Programs for Refugees. The report charges
"indecision of the Task Force and bureaucratic roadblocks"
impeding the development of training programs.
IATF: English language and orientation classes are
offered at each reception center. Training materials are
being developed for school systems; HEW has made excellent
progress in registering health professionals to ensure
skills training and licensure.
10. Public Information on Refugees. The Report states that
the President's Advisory Committee on Refugees should
immediately launch a public information- program.
IATF: The Committee already has established this as
a high priority.
- 4 -
Two other recommendations which are outside the
IATF's responsibility relate to the need for the President
to establish diplomatic relations with Hanoi, Saigon and
Phnom Penh and to offer them humanitarian assistance.
In general, we think the report is slanderous,
based on false premises, contains more rhetoric than fact
and is a disservice to the thousands of military, civilian
and volunteer personnel who have dedicated extraordinarly
long hours in the last seven weeks to ensure the effective
movement and processing of the refugees to their new homes.
June 9, 1975
Indochina Refugee Resettlement
Statistical Fact Sheet
Total Number of Refugees
131,252
Number of Refugees in Overseas
Sites: Guam, Wake, Clark Air
Force Base, Subic Bay, Thailand
41,022
Number of Refugees in Stateside
Reception Centers or Enroute by
Air
59,177
Number of Refugees Released to Third
Countries
3,459
Number of Refugees Resettled into
American Communities
26,935
Number of Refugees Released from
Reception Centers within last 24 Hours
839
TASK FORCE STATEMENT RELEASED LAST NIGHT, SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 1975
The Interagency Task Force has not yet received a courtesy copy of the
Senate Judiciary Committee's report and is thus unable to discuss it in
detail. The seven weeks of our existence have not been without problems
of course but the cooperation of the military and civilian departments of
the Federal government, of the voluntary agencies and the private sector
and of the Congress has permitted an unprecedented undertaking in so
brief a time.
Today, seven weeks after the inception of the Task Force more than
130, 000 human beings who very recently were fleeing for their lives
can look forward to their new ones with confidence because of the
unceasing efforts of the dedicated Americans who are engaged in the
truly monumental resettlement task. While there continues to be ways
in which we can improve a program which was developed under crisis
conditions, we are satisfied now that the fundamental aspects of the
program are sound, coordination with resettlement voluntary agencies
is effective, and channels of communications are open to all who wish
to use them.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
FORD
WASHINGTON
BERALD
June 5, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DR. THEODORE MARRS
FROM:
ROGER D. SEMERAD
TaB
SUBJECT:
INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE
MEETING, JUNE 3, 1975
Refugee Processing - - The number of refugees processing out
of U.S. facilities has reached 875 daily. (Camp Pendleton pro-
vided over 500 of this number.) Interagency Task Force (IATF)
Director Taft expressed concern at the low processing rates at
the other facilities (Eglin and Ft. Chaffee). She will investigate
and determine the reasons for these low rates and advise at the
meeting on June 6 of action(s) taken.
Sanitary/Health Conditions (Guam) - - It was noted that current
health conditions were adequate, but that Guam had the potential
of becoming a very serious medical/health problem. Generally
dusty conditions coupled with a lack of rain were contributing
factors in a great increase in upper respiratory infections and
other minor medical problems. However the crowded conditions
create the potential for the spread of contagious diseases. Any
such outbreak could seriously delay the movement of refugees.
It was recommended by the staff medical and sanitation experts
that the numbers on Guam be expeditiously reduced and that the
facilities closed.
Relocation from Pacific Camps - - A representative of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff reported that a daily release rate of 850 refugees
through 1 July would permit the number of refugees on Guam to be
reduced to approximately 10, 000 by 15 July. (Current number in
Guam: 52, 810.)
2
-- Interagency Task Force representatives will meet
with Volunteer Agencies to review solutions and processing
problems.
-- Statistical Summary - June 3, 1975
1. At Guam, In Pacific
52,810
2. Released into the U.S.
24,448
3. Released to other countries
2,033
In the United States / Relocation Centers
50,204
a. Chaffee
23,510
b. Pendleton
15,633
C. Eglin
4,391
d. Indiantown
6,670
-- Next meeting scheduled for June 6, 1975, 4:00 p.m.
-- Unless you object I will have this memorandum distributed
to the members of the President's Advisory Committee and will do
so with all other reports of Interagency Task Force meetings.
June 6, 1975
FORD i LIBRARY 076870
MEMORANDUM FOR:
MRS. JULIA v. TAFT
Acting Director, Interagency Task Force on
Vietnam
FROM:
DR. THEODORE C. MARRS
SUBJECT:
Information Required
In our earlier conversations you agreed to supply me and the President's
Advisory Committee clarifying statements regarding the refugee program.
Specifically: (1) a clear, comprehensive description of sponsorship;
(2) a policy statement on how medical expenses will be handled; and
(3) guidelines and procedures for states, local committees and others
wishing to sponsor refugees.
In addition, we require a key Task Force staff breakdown by area of
responsibility, name, telephone number. Of particular concern is the
identity of the staff person handling special or V.I.P. requests for
information, locator services or sponsorship requests.
Your cooperation will be appreciated.
June 6. 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
MRS. JULIA V. TAFT
Acting Director, Interagency Task Force on
Vietnam
FROM:
DR. THEODORE C. MARRS
SUBJECT:
Information Required
In our earlier conversations you agreed to supply me and the President's
Advisory Committee clarifying statements regarding the refugee program.
Specifically: (1) a clear, comprehensive description of spensorship;
(2) a policy statement on how medical expenses will be handled; and
(3) guidelines and procedures for states, local committees and others
wishing to sponsor refugees.
In addition, we require a key Task Force staff breakdown by area of
responsibility, name, telephone number. Of particular concern to the
identity of the staff person handling special or V.I.P. requests for
information, locator services or sponsorship requests.
Your cooperation will be appreciated.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
STATE
Washington, D.C. 20520
JUN I 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR: THE PRESIDENT
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
THROUGH:
Mr. Ron Nessen
FROM:
alia
Julia Vadala Taft, Director, Inter-Agency
Task Force on Indochinese Refugees (IATF)
SUBJECT:
Comments on the Kennedy Subcommittee Report
A report released today by Senator Edward Kennedy,
Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Refugees
lists several recommendations related to the refugee
program. Cited below are those recommendations with a
brief statement of the Task Force position:
1. Up-Grading the Resettlement Program. Kennedy charges
a lack of Presidential commitment and urges immediate
upgrading of level of responsibility and Presidential
concern for resettlement. He states the program is
"scarcely off the ground and refugees could remain in
camps for months or years."
IATF: The program has consistently received
Presidential support, and the Task Force remains a
White House level operation with its new director, Julia
Vadala Taft, reporting to the President and his advisor
for National Security Affairs. The program is off the
ground and progress is impressive. In seven weeks, almost
25% of the refugees have been released to third countries
or resettled in the United States.
2. Resettlement in Other Countries. The report accurately
states that the Administration estimated that 20,000 refugees
would resettle in third countries and charges that the much
fewer numbers (1900) reflects on the slowness on the part
of the President's program.
IATF: The initial progress of third country placement
was disappointing. But in recent weeks the Intergovernmental
Committee on European Migration has expanded its activities
on Guam and at stateside reception centers to a point that
3405 persons have been released and many additional refugees
- 2 -
are in the process of registering for third countries.
3. Voluntary Repatriation to Cambodia or South Vietnam.
The Report comments on the "Administration's belated
recognition of the need to provide opportunities for
repatriation" but states that the Administration is working
with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
IATF: We have consistently supported the UNHCR's
traditional role to assist in repatriation. UNHCR has
representatives in Guam, Pendleton, Chaffee, Indiantown
Gap, and will visit Eglin later this week to process
questionnaires. Of the 131, refugees, approximately
1,563 have requested repatriation.
4. Better Structuring of Task Force and Transfer to HEW.
The report concurs. with the continuation of the Task Force
headed by a Presidential appointee, but charges that HEW
should be the clearly defined focal point for resettlement.
IATF: No decision has been reached on final organiza-
tional location although the shift toward domestic agency
participation has been accelerating. The Director is a
senior HEW official and staff support from domestic
agencies, primarily HEW, is expanding.
5. Moving Refugees From Guam. The Report recommends that
due to deteriorating conditions in Guam and potential
typhoons that substantial numbers of refugees be processed
to stateside and that an additional reception center be
established.
IATF: No new centers are envisioned at this time.
With current rate of out-processing in the States, Guam will
have no more refugees by the end of July. In our initial
directive to Guam in May, we stated Guam should get prepared
to house/feed 50,000 for 3 months. We are on target.
6. Role of Voluntary Agencies. The report praises the
potential of the voluntary resettlement agencies and
chastises the ability of the Administration to work
effectively with them.
IATF: It is fair to say that initially the Volags
were unhappy with the guidance and limited planning that we
- 3 -
R.
FORD
were able to offer to them. This was due, by and large,
to the tragic and rapid unfolding of events in Vietnam.
GERALD
However, once the Task Force began organizing and became
1x.
fully operational, one of the first priorities was close
regular liaison with the Volags; in fact, senior Task
Force officials are in constant communication with the
Volags through regular meetings and through daily telephone
calls and visits. The principal officials of these agencies
have told us they have never enjoyed such close cooperation
with the Federal Government as on this issue.
7. Systematic Registration Procedures. The report also
criticizes the failure of the Task Force from the outset
to have uniform registration and data collection procedures.
IATF: Initially, this was a problem due to the crisis
nature of the operation. Now all procedures are uniform
and a major compatible data collection process is in
operation.
8. Reimburse State and Local Governments for Refugee
Expenses. The Report states that a clarification of
HEW reimbursement policy is long-overdue.
IATF: In Congressional testimony and communications
to Governors and State Welfare Agencies, the broad guidelines
for reimbursement have been explained. HEW will issue
regulations on reimbursement this week.
9. Training Programs for Refugees. The report charges
"indecision of the Task Force and bureaucratic roadblocks"
impeding the development of training programs.
IATF: English language and orientation classes are
offered at each reception center. Training materials are
being developed for school systems; HEW has made excellent
progress in registering health professionals to ensure
skills training and licensure.
10. Public Information on Refugees. The Report states that
the President's Advisory Committee on Refugees should
immediately launch a public information- program.
IATF: The Committee already has established this as
a high priority.
- 4 -
Two other recommendations which are outside the
IATF's responsibility relate to the need for the President
to establish diplomatic relations with Hanoi, Saigon and
Phnom Penh and to offer them humanitarian assistance.
In general, we think the report is slanderous,
based on false premises, contains more rhetoric than fact
and is a disservice to the thousands of military, civilian
and volunteer personnel who have dedicated extraordinarly
long hours in the last seven weeks to ensure the effective
movement and processing of the refugees to their new homes.
June 9, 1975
Indochina Refugee Resettlement
Statistical Fact Sheet
Total Number of Refugees
131,252
Number of Refugees in Overseas
Sites: Guam, Wake, Clark Air
Force Base, Subic Bay, Thailand
41,022
Number of Refugees in Stateside
Reception Centers or Enroute by
Air
59,177
Number of Refugees Released to Third
Countries
3,459
Number of Refugees Resettled into
American Communities
26,935
Number of Refugees Released from
Reception Centers within last 24 Hours
839
TASK FORCE STATEMENT RELEASED LAST NIGHT, SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 1975
The Interagency Task Force has not yet received a courtesy copy of the
Senate Judiciary Committee's report and is thus unable to discuss it in
detail. The seven weeks of our existence have not been without problems
of course but the cooperation of the military and civilian departments of
the Federal government, of the voluntary agencies and the private sector
and of the Congress has permitted an unprecedented undertaking in so
brief a time.
Today, seven weeks after the inception of the Task Force more than
130, 000 human beings who very recently were fleeing for their lives
can look forward to their new ones with confidence because of the
unceasing efforts of the dedicated Americans who are engaged in the
truly monumental resettlement task. While there continues to be ways
in which we can improve a program which was developed under crisis
conditions, we are satisfied now that the fundamental aspects of the
program are sound, coordination with resettlement voluntary agencies
is effective, and channels of communications are open to all who wish
to use them.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 9, 1975
GERALD R. FORD
MEMORANDUM FOR
ACTING DIRECTOR, INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE ON
VIETNAM (MRS. JULIA V. TAFT)
Julis I was most impressed by Dave Ford's responsiveness
in preparing material for Governor Evans' use.
Please thank him and other appropriate folks.
Ted
Theodore C. Marrs
Special Assistant to the President
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
phill
FORD
June 11, 1975
GERALD
MEMORANDUM FOR:
CHAIRMAN EISENHOWER
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
FROM:
ROGER D. SEMERAD
RWS
SUBJECT:
INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE
MEETING, JUNE 6, 1975
Sponsorship -- Each branch of the armed forces is in the
process of establishing a group sponsorship program. The
numbers that will be sponsored are not known at this time,
but each program will be oriented towards identifying spon-
sors for refugees who had been members of the armed forces
of Vietnam or Cambodia.
Repatriation -- It is estimated that approximately 1,300
refugees will request repatriation. Discussions are in
progress as to the manner in which to segregate and hold
those who have requested repatriation.
Relocation Center Operations -- A management review of the
operations at Camps Chaffee and Pendleton has been completed.
A comprehensive bilingual guide is in preparation and will
be distributed shortly. The guide will explain features of
life and customs in America, along with information on social
issues and administrative procedures.
Volunteer Agencies --- According to the management review,
volunteer agencies continue to have numerous problems in
handling the refugee load and remain understaffed at the
four centers. Task Force representatives will assist in
finding qualified personnel for hire by the volunteer agen-
cies and attempt to provide volunteer support as available.
It was noted that a continuing requirement exists for sponsors.
A public information effort is planned by the Task Force to
encourage greater citizen participation.
2
Note: Advisory Committee Members interested in
participating in an effort to publicize the need
for additional sponsors may call Jim Delaney to
effect coordination and receive additional materials.
Task Force has made a special computer run to identify
potential sponsors for problem placements, identified as
single, former military and large families. Printouts of
this run have been made available to the volunteer agencies.
Problems in Resettlement -- There have been reports from the
volunteer agencies that a number of non-immigrants who had
entered the United States prior to April 1975 were requesting
assistance from the volunteer agencies. These individuals are
identified by the Immigration and Naturalization Service as
"asylees". Since they do not have the same legal standing as
the refugees the Task Force is considering what governmental
assistance, if any, may be authorized.
Statistical Summary -- As of June 8, 1975.
1. Guam, in Pacific
43,158
2. Released into U.S.
26,935
3. Released to other countries
3,405
In the U.S./Relocation Centers
56,667
a. Chaffee
23,036
b. Pendleton
16,235
C. Eglin
4,273
d. Indiantown Gap
13,123
Next meeting of Interagency Task Force will be Tuesday, May 10,
?
1975, at 4:00 p.m.
RFile
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM FOR:
CHAIRMAN EISENHOWER
GERALD FORD
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
FROM:
ROGER D. SEMERAD
RUB
SUBJECT:
INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE
MEETING, JUNE 11, 1975
Release of Refugees -- During the last 24-hour reporting
period 925 refugees were released into the U.S. and to
other countries. This is the highest number in any 24-hour
period to date.
Repatriation -- There has been no significant change in the
number of refugees requesting repatriation. The United
Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has approved
the United States' proposal to consolidate at designated
locations refugees who have requested repatriation.
Refugees in the Pacific area who are to be repatriated will
be moved to Wake Island, and the refugees in the Continental
United States will be moved to a site yet to be designated
in the United States.
Refugee Orientation Booklet -- An initial printing of 100,000
copies of the bilingual information/orientation booklet will
be completed by June 20, 1975. The booklet will be distri-
buted directly to all refugees in the camps and sufficient
numbers made available to the volunteer agencies to permit
distribution to refugee families and sponsors.
Sponsorship -- A number of additional municipal governments
have expressed interest in sponsoring groups of refugees.
Announcement of the specific communities and numbers must be
delayed pending the completion of discussions.
Statistical Summary -- As of June 11, 1975.
1. Guam, in Pacific
38,491
2. Released into U.S.
29,244
3. Released to other countries
3,568
2
In the U.S./Relocation Centers
a. Chaffee
22,894
b. Pendleton
17,449
c. Eglin
4,418
d. Indiantown Gap
14,747
Next meeting of Interagency Task Force is scheduled for
Tuesday, June 17, 1975.
PC File
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 18, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JACK MARSH
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
FROM:
RUSS ROURKE
R
I spoke with Julia Taft, Acting Director, Inter-Agency Task Force on
Refugees. At noon today they will put out a press release concerning
the wind down of refugee activities on Guam. Because of the typhoon
threat and the criticism re tent camp living, they will have reduced
the number of refugees on Guam to 10, 500 by June 24. The 10, 500
will be housed in fixed facilities, thereby assuring a greater degree
of protection during any typhoon.
This Guam wind down will create a concurrent "bubble" for a period
of several days to two weeks in the various relocation centers in the
United States.
The following centers will experience short term escalation:
--
Camp Pendleton + 500
;
Eglin + 1, 000
--
Fort Chaffee + 1, 000
--
Indiantown Gap + 2, 000
Julia's office is contacting all appropriate Hill offices this morning
(McClellan, Sikes, Scott, etc. ) to pre-advise of this anticipated action.
Every effort will be made to speed up the relocation of refugees from
the aforementioned centers in order that the agreed upon ceilings can
be brought back into line at the earliest possible date.
cc: Ted Marrs