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Indochina Refugees - President's Advisory Committee: Meeting, 7/23/75
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Indochina Refugees - President's Advisory Committee: Meeting, 7/23/75
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The original documents are located in Box 11, folder "Indochina Refugees - President's
Advisory Committee: Meeting, 7/23/75" 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
Some items in this folder were not digitized because it contains copyrighted
materials. Please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library for access to
these materials.
Digitized from Box 11 of the Theodore C. Marrs Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
MEETING # 4
July 23, 1975, 10:00 a.m.
Room 4203 NEOB
AGENDA
A. Introduction by Chairman Eisenhower
B. Administrative Matters
C. Dr. Theodore Marrs, Special Assistant to the President
D. Report by the Interagency Task Force -- Julia Taft
E. Staff Reports
1. Refugee Military Service -- J. Delaney
2. Labor/Management -- J. Delaney
3. Employment Opportunities -- W. Kallaur
4. Red Cross Proposal -- W. Kallaur
F. Project Friendship -- Ashby Boyle
Staff: D. Morin
G. Report from the Vietnamese/Cambodian Advisory Group
Dr. Tran Dinh De
Mrs. Li Thi Anh
Mr. Pan Sothi
Staff: W. Kallaur
H. Public Relations Activities -- Roger D. Semerad
I. Reports from Committee Members
J. American Association of State Colleges and Universities
Dr. Gregory Wolfe
K. Adjournment
CERALD FORD LIBRARY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Minutes of The President's Advisory Committee
on Refugees Meeting, June 25, 1975
2. Statement by The President
3. DOD Policy on Refugee Enlistment and Employment
4. Chamber of Commerce Letter
5. AFL-CIO Letter
6. Review Summaries of National Association of
Counties Letter and Policy Statement on Refugees
" 7. Letter to Chairman of Civil Service Commission
8. Civil Service Commission Letter to Chairman Eisenhower
9. Letter to Department of Labor
10. Task Force Report on Refugee Status
11. Letter to Mrs. Taft from Chairman Eisenhower
12. Memorandum for Committee Members
13. Project Friendship Fact Sheet and Form Letter
14. Report on Vietnamese/Cambodian Advisory Group
Meeting, July 17, 1975
15. Memorandum for the Record on Public Relations Project
16. Newspaper Clippings
FORD LIBRARY is DERALD
THE PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
MINUTES OF MEETING #3
Wednesday, June 25, 1975
Room 4203, New Executive Office Building
The Committee meeting convened at 10:00 a.m., Ambassador
John Eisenhower, Committee Chairman, presiding.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT
Ambassador John S. D. Eisenhower
Elder A. Theodore Tuttle
Governor Daniel Evans
Mr. Minor George
Mr. Clarke Reed
Mr. Ashby D. Boyle, II
Mrs. Gaetana Enders
Mr. William J. Kuhfuss
Mr. Philip Klutznick
REFUGEE ADVISORY GROUP REPRESENTATIVES
Nguyen Quo Hoa
Pan Sothi
Nguyen Nghy Thu
Dr. Tran Dinh De
ALTERNATES
Mr. Larry Boston (for Dr. Malcolm C. Todd)
Mr. Henry Cunningham (for Edgar F. Kaiser)
Mr. John McCarthy (for Archbishop Joseph L. Bernardin)
Mr. Leo Perlis (for George Meany)
MEMBERS ABSENT
Hon. Maurice A. Ferre
Mr. John Denver
Mr. George Meany
Archbishop Joseph L. Bernardin
Mr. Edgar F. Kaiser
Dr. Malcolm C. Todd
Hon. Joseph L. Alioto
Dr. W. Sterling Cary
FORD
2
Chairman Eisenhower gave a brief report on the status of
refugee resettlement. There have been more than 41,000
refugees resettled in the United States and in third
countries. He further stated that he perceived the
greatest problem of resettlement to be lack of sponsors.
More emphasis should be placed on group sponsorships:
churches, organizations, groups of families, etc. A
new function of the Committee members would be to generate
national interests in sponsorship. He added that in
addition to the Volags contracts with the Interagency Task
Force, we should examine the possibility of expanding the
contract base to include other organizations such as has
already been done with the State of Washington, to parti-
cipate and expedite resettlement.
The minutes of the second meeting of June 3, 1975, were
examined and accepted by the Committee. Future meetings
of the Committee were scheduled for July 23, August 20
and September 24.
DR. THEODORE MARRS: (Special Assistant to the President).
The President has transmitted the report of the Interagency
Task Force to Congress and believes that a good job has
been done to date in the refugee program. He stated that
the President is extremely interested in resettlement and
integration of the refugees into the economy as quickly
as possible. Dr. Marrs commented most favorably on the
Labor/Management meeting, sponsored by the Committee,
which took place in the White House the previous day, June 24th.
AMBASSADOR EISENHOWER: Stated a concern for increased
publicity. He believes that very few people actually know
what is expected of a sponsor. Further, a determination of
the legal and moral responsibility of a sponsor should be
made as quickly as possible. He also requested a clarifi-
cation of the new regulations concerning Medicaid and
welfare payments to the Indochina refugees.
MR. MINOR GEORGE: Mr. George expanded on Ambassador
Eisenhower's statement concerning medical care and insurance.
He questioned the details of guaranteed medical care.
MR. BERNARD KELLY: (Associate Director for Refugee
Resettlement). Mr. Kelly stated that the issue of entitle-
ment for welfare and medical care has been resolved by
DHEW policy statements. These new regulations have been
FORD
3
published and distributed to all states. Essentially, the
refugees are entitled to the same Medicaid coverage as
United States citizens. Mr. Kelly further explained the
definition of Medicaid as a program of joint Federal/ State
participation to provide medical coverage for people who
meet certain requirements for eligibility. The Federal
Government and the state share in the cost. This means that
the sponsor need not be concerned about assuming financial
responsibility for the necessity of taking out medical
insurance for a refugee family. The most significant aspect
of the DHEW regulation is that in the case of the Indochina
refugees, the Federal Government will fund 100% of the cost
of Medicaid. The sponsor will not have to enter into the
bill paying process for this program. All medical bills
will be submitted by the health provider to the state for
payment.
AMBASSADOR EISENHOWER stated that it is essential that this
information receive the widest publicity.
MR. GEORGE questioned if a requirement exists for the sponsor
to take out an insurance policy for the refugee family.
DR. MARRS stated that there is no requirement for a sponsor
or any other individual to take out any type of insurance.
Such action would be on the individual option of the refugee
family just as for any other citizen.
MR. JAMES DELANEY (Committee Staff) stated that the major
health organizations were examining methods to sponsor
physicians, dentists, and various health professions. Of
particular note was the cooperation of the American Nurses
Association who have arranged sponsorship for those Vietnamese
student nurses who are in this country for nurses training.
If they had not been sponsored by June 30th, they would have
been placed in the refugee camps, however, this problem no
longer exists.
MR. ASHBY BOYLE explained the provisions of Project FRIEND-
SHIP. This project initiated by both Mr. Boyle and Mr.
David Morin (Committee Staff) concerns itself with the
involvement of youth groups across the country in assisting
the assimilation of the refugees.
The Committee unanimously accepted the motion for
approval of Project FRIENDSHIP and directed that Mr. Boyle
and Mr. Morin immediately proceed with its implementation.
FORD
4
MR. PERLIS gave a summary of the Labor/Management meeting
conducted at the White House on June 24th. Attending the
meeting were top level executives of the major unions in the
United States and management organizations. Representation
is as follows:
Theodore Marrs, M.D. (Special Assistant to the
President)
Mr. Leo Perlis (AFL-CIO)
Mr. Donald J. Kroes (Chamber of Commerce)
Mr. Thomas P. Walsh (Chamber of Commerce)
Major General John P. Condon (Ret.) (National Alliance
of Businessmen)
Mr. Forest I. Rettgers (National Association of
Manufacturers)
Mr. Frank E. Fitzsimmons (International Brotherhood
of Teamsters)
Mr. Walter J. Shea (International Brotherhood of
Teamsters)
"
Mr. Stephen Schlossberg (United Auto Workers)
Mr. William B. Seebeck (Grace Company)
Mr. Roger Semerad (PACR)
Mr. James Delaney (PACR)
MR. PERLIS further stated that the most important item
discussed was finding employment for the refugee. During
the 1950 and 60's, labor and business communities responded
to the call for job placement for the refugees, however,
unemployment was not a significant problem. The most
significant accomplishment of the Labor/Management meeting
was the unanimous recommendation that management and unions
work jointly at the local level to make available jobs for
the refugees. The Chamber of Commerce volunteers to take
the lead to develop a letter which would be sent to all of
their local chapters in cities which did not have high
unemployment. This letter would encourage a similar meeting
at the local level between both management and unions so
that together they could find a manner to best assimilate
the refugees. Simultaneously with the mail-out from the
Chamber of Commerce, the attending organizations would also
send a similar letter to their local groups.
MR. GEORGE AND MRS. GAETANA ENDERS questioned Mr. Perlis as
to the availability of union membership to refugees. Mr.
Perlis replied that he knew of no restrictions on refugees
FORD
&
.RALD
5
and if any specific instances of membership refusal could be
cited, he would investigate as quickly as possible. However,
he did state that union seniority was a principle that could
not be waived.
MR. WALTER KALLAUR (Committee Staff) explained a recom-
mendation for an alternate mechanism for sponsorships. In
the proposal outlined he explained the American Red Cross
would serve as an additional sponsorship agency. Chapters
of the American Red Cross throughout the country will act as
facilitators or organizations that wish to sponsor. They
will facilitate group or individual sponsor certification
and suitability. Mr. Kallaur introduced Mr. Enso V.
Bighinatti, National Director, Disaster Services, of the
American National Red Cross, who explained that while the
Red Cross could not act as a voluntary agency, it would be
available to assist in other ways.
MR. McCARTHY stated that it appeared that Volags were being
criticized and said that the Volags were not only doing a
good job but in many cases were using their own funds.
CHAIRMAN EISENHOWER assured Mr. McCarthy that there was no
criticism meant in this discussion.
MR. PERLIS stated the more agency involvement the
better for this would expedite the resettlement of refugees
and their final assimilation.
MR. REED was most supportive of the involvement of more
groups and further stated that if this were to occur, the
ultimate mission of the Advisory Committee would be com-
pleted much sooner.
MRS. ENDERS agreed with Mr. Reed. She added that many
Asian-American groups have offered to help the Volags in
the resettlement effort. She felt that by cooperating and
coordinating with these other groups, the resettlement
program could be expedited.
A motion was presented and carried out by the Committee
encouraging the Interagency Task Force to use the services
of increased numbers of interested organizations, including
the Red Cross, to expedite refugee resettlement.
CHAIRMAN EISENHOWER complimented the State of Washington
on its accomplishments as a Volag and requested Governor
Evans to brief the Committee on the State's program.
FORD
6
GOVERNOR EVANS stated that the program was not intended to
replace the efforts of the Volags. He circulated background
material on the State's efforts to all Committee members.
The refugees which were under the control of the State of
Washington were temporarily housed at Camp Murray. The
average length of stay was six-nine days. He organized
leaders of church groups and organizations to encourage
sponsorship and gave wide publicity of the refugee program.
He also met community organizations and service clubs of the
State for their support in the placement of large families.
He further stated that there was a heavy preponderence of
supportive letters while there were very few adverse re-
actions.
MR. PERLIS recommended that the Committee draft and send a
letter to all Governors informing them of the actions of the
State of Washington.
The Committee passed a motion that a letter be drafted
and"sent to all Governors as expeditiously as possible.
AMBASSADOR EISENHOWER introduced Colonel Kennedy, U.S. Army
Reserve, who heads the Joint Refugee Information Clearing
Office in the Pentagon. This is an organization within the
Department of Defense, represented by the four services,
whose. mission is to serve as a clearing house for members of
the armed forces who wish to either assist or sponsor their
Vietnamese friends.
CHAIRMAN EISENHOWER discussed the subject of increased
publicity for the program. A possible public relations
campaign. It was recommended, and carried by the Committee,
that a series of television spot announcements encouraging
sponsorship was made. These spot announcements would be
made by possibly Mrs. Ford and members of the Committee, in
addition to other national personalities. In making these
TV spot announcements, the Committee further directed staff
to determine how best to address this task and move immediately
toward its accomplishments.
The Committee meeting adjourned at 12:15 for lunch.
Ambassador Eisenhower called the Committee meeting
to order at 1:00 p.m.
FORD & LIBRARY
7
AMBASSADOR EISENHOWER introduced Mr. Kallaur who explained
briefly the first meeting of the Refugee Advisory Group. He
then introduced members of the group who were to give a
short presentation. Representing the members of the Refugee
Advisory Group were:
Dr. Tran Dinh De
Nguyen Nghy Thu
Pan Sothi
Nguyen Qu Hoa
DR. DE addressed the Committee and explained concern over
the lack of opportunity to enter the U.S. Armed Services of
highly trained former servicemen of South Vietnam. He also
expressed that it appeared to be far easier for groups to
sponsor families than for an individual family to act as a
sponor. He believed that group sponsorship would tend to
relieve the financial burden on any one person. He further
expressed concern on the actual assimilation of Vietnamese
medical professionals into the health industry of the United
States. The Committee accepted Dr. De's report and the
motion was carried that staff investigate and provide to the
members of the Committee the actual policy on refugee enlist-
ment in the U.S. Armed Forces.
MR. THU expressed concern over lack of education opportuni-
ties both continuing education and also learning English. A
breakdown of communication between the Volags and the
refugees in the camps was also commented upon. The concern
was also expressed over the disparity between the Volags of
actual financial assistance to a refugee upon leaving the
camp, i.e., some Volags gave the refugee and sponsor a
considerable amount of money while others provided no cash
assistance to either the refugee or the sponsor.
MRS. PAN SOTHI questioned if Medicaid would pay for mater-
nity benefits. The major concern was that even if a family
is self-sufficient, their recently purchased health insurance
would not cover maternity benefits in the case of the wife
becoming pregnant prior to acquiring the insurance.
MR. KELLY replied even though the refugee family would be
self-supporting, in the case of a large medical bill such as
this, Medicaid would definitely cover the maternity costs.
The Refugee Advisory Group further reiterated their
concern equal opportunity employment. The Committee
FORD
accepted the groups' report and carried the motion that all
Federal agencies be notified of the equal employment oppor-
tunities and minority priorities for the refugee if they so
qualified for Federal employment.
MISS HOA discussed her work at the University of Wisconsin
and also felt that even though the United States military
were doing a fine job in attempting to teach the Vietnamese
English, more positive steps should be taken. She stated
that the University of Wisconsin has offered to contact
publishers regarding text books and dictionaries for the
English language. She also commented that the camps contain
many boy and girl scouts and they can be of great assistance
in arranging for youth activities until sponsorship and
resettlement occurs.
MR. KELLY stated that contracts were currently being let for
the printing of a Vietnamese-English dictonary and they
would be distributed as soon as possible.
CHAIRMAN EISENHOWER requested a report of Committee members
activities.
MR. KALLAUR introduced Ernestine Friedel, President of the
American Anthropological Association.
DR. FRIEDEL explained her proposal which each member had
received prior to the meeting.
CHAIRMAN EISENHOWER thanked her for her time and stated that
the proposal would be considered with others and transmitted
to the Task Force.
CHAIRMAN EISENHOWER adjourned the meeting at 3:13 p.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on
July 23rd.
FORD
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
I am today formally announcing the transfer of principal
operational responsibility of the Interagency Task Force for
the resettlement of refugees from Indochina from the Department
of State to the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
Since I formed the Task Force in April, the resettlement
of refugees has become primarily a domestic rather than foreign
affairs concern. A great deal has been accomplished in evacu-
ating, caring for, and resettling refugees from Indochina.
However, much remains to be done. I ask all Americans to open
their hearts to these refugees as we have to others throughout
our history.
Mrs. Julia Taft, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Health,
Education, and Welfare, who has been acting as Director of the
Task Force since the departure of Ambassador Dean Brown, will
continue as Director. All decisions and activities regarding
the domestic and international resettlement of refugees from
Indochina will be coordinated by her. She will act under my
direction and in close coordination with the Secretary of
Health, Education, and Welfare and the President's Advisory
Committee on Refugees. Mrs. Taft's responsibilities will
continue to involve numerous governmental departments, and I
am directing each of them to offer her their full cooperation
and support in this important task.
GREATO 8: FORD
Herald
OF DEFENSE
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20301
UNITED STATES OF OF AMERCA
16 JUL 1975
COMPT ROLLER
Mr. Roger D. Semerad
Executive Director
The President's Advisory Committee
on Refugees
Washington, D.C. 20506
Dear Roger:
This is in response to your letter of July 7, 1975 requesting clarifi-
cation of the Department of Defense policy with regard to Indochina
refugees entering the Armed Forces.
I have queried our staff and produced the attached paper. I trust it
will provide you the necessary information on this DoD position.
Sincerely yours,
Emic
Erich F. von Marbod
Attachment
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
a/s
GEBALD FORD
AMERICAN REVOLUTION ENCENTENNAL
1776-1976
STATEMENT OF DEFENSE
ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20301
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
16 JUL 1975
MANPOWER AND
RESERVE AFFAIRS
MEMORANDUM FOR The Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
(Comptroller)
This is in reply to your 9 July memorandum requesting clarifying
information concerning our policies with respect to employment
and recruitment of Indochina refugees.
Federal statutes and Civil Service Commission regulations governing
the recruitment and employment of aliens will not permit the Depart-
ment to recruit or employ those evacuees who are admitted to the
United States in a parolee status. Individuals admitted as permanent
residents are eligible for enlistment in the Regular and Reserve
forces and for appointment as officers in the Reserve forces.
Appointment as regular officers is limited to United States citizens
while appointment to most Civil Service positions is limited to
United States citizens and individuals who owe permanent allegiance
to the United States.
Enclosures 1 and 2 provide detailed information on the situation
with respect to military recruitment and civilian employment of
Cambodian and Vietnamese evacuees.
AWELL Donald W. Srull
GERALE FORD VIBRASTY
Deputy Assistant Secretary
(Manpower Requirements and Analysis)
Enclosures - 2
AMERICAN REVOLUTION WEENTENNING
1776-1976
Enclosure 1
Military Recruitment
The statutory provisions governing the citizenship require-
ments for enlistment or appointment in the armed forces are summa-
rized in Tab A.
Guidance furnished the Military Departments (Tab B) pro-
vides that former members of the Cambodian and Vietnamese armed
forces who have been trained by the American military and who meet
current Service enlistment standards (including immigration status)
will be given enlistment preference over other applicants who have
not been previously trained by the United States Armed Forces.
Department of Labor personnel have indicated that they
would not be able to certify military service opportunities as qualifying
employment for issuance of permanent residence status. The Labor
staff indicated that they would consider recruitment of trained personnel
as a change in our normal recruitment procedure.
We believe that the citizenship requirement for enlistment
should be uniform for all four Services and, therefore, do not believe
any change should be made to the Navy regulations which require
Navy and Marine Corps enlistees to meet the statutory requirements
established for Army and Air Force Regulars and Reserve Forces
FORD & 07V835 LIBRAS
of all Services.
The opportunity for evacuees to enter the Active Forces as
officers is limited because current strength reductions have resulted
in involuntary separation of Regular and Reserve officers currently on
active duty and reduced procurement of qualified United States citizens.
(About one-third of Army's ROTC graduates in FY 1975 were assigned
to the Reserve Force rather than the Active Duty Force. The FY 1976
program shows about 20% of the ROTC graduates will be assigned to
the Reserve Force. Army reports that it was not able to offer active
duty to all of the ROTC graduates seeking such duty.) Policy guidance
permits the Services to offer Reserve commissions to those evacuees
who can successfully compete on the basis of their skills and training
with American citizens. However, status as a resident alien is
required.
2
Enclosure 2
Civilian Employment
Civil Service Commission regulations govern the employment
of non-citizens and, with very few exceptions, virtually preclude the
employment of Indochina refugees by the Department of Defense or
any other Federal agency.
Chapter 338, Federal Personnel Manual, Subchapter 1 states
that, except as specified, only a United States citizen or one who owes
permanent allegiance to the United States may be appointed in the
competitive civil service. This citizenship requirement does not apply
to 30 day special needs appointments and it may be waived by the Civil
Service Commission when they approve appointments without examination
in rare cases. Since almost all DoD positions are in the competitive
service, this restriction virtually precludes the employment of Indo-
China refugees.
There are no citizenship requirements for positions in the
excepted service and Indo-China refugees can be employed in any
position for which excepted appointing authority exists. One of these
authorities permits the employment of non-citizens in the absence of
a qualified U. S. citizen and could be used by the Department of
FORD
Defense activities in those rare cases when a qualified U. S. citizen
SERALD
could not be found for a job. Another of their excepted authorities,
which was just issued by the Civil Service Commission, permits the
appointment of a non-citizen formerly employed by a U. S. Government
agency in Vietnam or Cambodia to assist in the refugee resettlement
effort. This can be used to provide for employment of former non-
citizen employees for a period not to exceed two years in positions
providing direct services to Indo-Chinese refugees or directly aiding
the resettlement program. Since the Department of Defense involve-
ment in the resettlement program is limited, this authority will be
rarely used.
Section 5342(c), Title 5, U. S. C. provides that each pre-
vailing rate employee within any of the several states or the District
of Columbia must be a United States citizen or a bona fide resident of
one of the several states or the District of Columbia unless the Secretary
of Labor certifies that no United States citizen or bona fide resident
of one of the several states or the District of Columbia is available to
fill the particular position. Since the Vietnamese refugees are not
bona fide residents
according to the Civil Service Commission, they
cannot be employed as prevailing rate employees unless the Secretary
of Labor has ce rtified that no U. S. citizen or bona fide resident is
available. This bar on employment in prevailing rate positions applies
to both appropriated fund and non-appropriated fund positions. We are
encouraging the employment of former DoD Vietnamese employees in
non-prevailing rate nonappropriated fund activities.
2
Tob A
July 10, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
SUBJECT: Eligibility of Vietnamese and Cambodian Refugoes for
Enlistment or Appointment in the Armed Forces
Eligibility for Enlistment
Regulars
Army
10 U.S. C. 3253(c)--To be eligible for an original enlistment
in the Regular Army, applicant must be a citizen or lawfully
admitted for permanent residence.
Navy and Marino Corps
No Applicable Statuto--There is no statuto in the Navy requiring
citizenship as a condition for enlistment. Accordingly, under the
law, the Navy could onlist aliens. However, the Secretary of the
Navy by regulation has the same rule as the Army--i.e., applicant
must either be a citizen or lawfully admitted for permanent residence--
except with respect to Filipino citizens, who are admitted under
an existing treaty obligation.
Air Force
10 U.S C. 8253--To be eligible for original enlistment in
the Regular Air Force, applicant must be a citizen or lawfully
admitted for permanent residence.
Conclusion: To be oligible for onlistment in the Regular
components, except for the Navy and Marine Corps, applicant
must either bo citizen or lawfully admitted for permanent
residence.
GERALD LIBRARY GERALD'R FORD
2
Reserves
10 U.S. C. 510--Governs all Services with regard to
eligibility for original enlistment in the Reserves. It provides
that, in order to be eligible to enlist as a Reserve of any Service,
applicant must either be a citizen or lawfully admitted for permanent
residence.
Eligibility for Appointment As An Officer
Regulars
Army
10 U.S. C. 3285- To be eligible for original appointment in
the Regular Army, except in the Medical or Dental Corps, applicant
must be a citizen.
10 U.S.C 3294- To be eligible for original appointment in
the Regular Army in the Medical and Dental Corps, applicant
must be a citizen.
Navy and Marine Corps
10 U.S. C. 5571- To be eligible for original appointment in
the Rogular Navy or Marine Corps, including the Medical and
Dental Corps, applicant must be a citizen.
Air Force
10 U.S.C. 8285--To be eligible for original appointment
in the Regular Air Force, except medical or dental officers,
applicant must be a citizen.
10 U.S. C 8294- To be eligible for original appointment in
the Regular Air Force as a medical or dontal officer, applicant
must be a citizen.
Reserves-- All Services
FORD & GERALD LIBRARY
10 U.S. C. 591--To be oligible for original appointment as n
Reserve officer of any Service, applicant must be a citizen or
lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
3
Medical and Dental Officers--Solective Service Act
Section 5(a)(1) of the Military Selective Service Act, as
amended (50 U.S. C. App. 455(a)(1))-When the draft was in effect,
this provision permitted alion physicians and dontists to be drafted
into, or voluntarily be commissioned in, the armed forces. How-
ever, this provision lost its legal effect along with the authority
to Induct on July 1, 1973, and no longer provides authority for
aliens to become doctors in the armed forces (000 attached memo
dated August 21, 1973).
Conclusion: In order to be eligible for original appointment in a
Regular component of any Service, the applicant must be a citizen.
In order to be eligible for appointment as a Reserve officer in any
Service, applicant must oither be a citizen or lawfully admitted
for permanent residence.
Carole L. Frings
Office, Assistant General Counsel
(Manpower, Health & Public Affairs)
Enclosure
General Counsel
Subject File - Military Personnel - Enlisted
CLFrings/bw/3E 977/53657
Chron
J. Nelson
August 21, 1973
MEMORANDUM FOR Colonel Dilly 2. Simmons, OASD (H&E)
SUBJECT: Commissioning of Allon Medical and Dontal Officers
This is in response to your request as to whother section 5 of
the Military Sclective Service Act authorized the commissioning of
alien physicians and dentists after July 1, 1973. The answer in no.
Howover, 10 U.S.C. 591 does authorise the commissioning of alien
physicians and dontists 5.8 Reserve officers, providing they have beon
fawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.
Section 5 of the Military Solective Service Act did not expire on
July 1, 1973; only the authority to induct, under section 17(c) of the
Act, expired on that date. However, the provision in section 5
allowing the commissioning of alien physiciano and dontists applico
only to persons who are "liable for induction under section 4 or this
titlo. " Since there is no longer any authority to induct persons under
the Act (except for those previously deferred under the Act), there
are no longer any new people "liable for induction. " A person
subject to the Act ic liable aRer July 1, 1973, only for registering.
taking his physical, and boing classified (unless he was proviously
deforred).
Accordingly, with regard to Regular commissioned officers,
thoro to no longer authority in the Military Selective Service Act or
elsewhere to commission alion medical and dental officers ao
Regulars. In the absence of that provision, the permanent statutes
in title 10 governing the qualifications for modical and dental officors
in the Regular components become applicable. Those provisions
require, with respect to Regular commissioned officers in All of the
military departments, that the applicant be a citizen of the United
States (10 U.S. C. 3294, 5571, and 8294).
However, there 10 still authority in title 10 to commission alien
physicians and dontists as Reserve officors. 10 U.S. C. 591 provides
FORD is LIBRAR ERALD
2
that "n applicant for Reservo commission must either be n citizen
of the United States or nise have been lawfully admitted to the United
States for permanent enidence under chapter 12 of titlo 0. Alica
physicians and dentish in the latter category are therefore eligible
for Reserve commissions.
Carole I. Frings
Office, Assistant General Counsel
(Manpower, Reservo Affairs.
Health & Environment)
cc: General Counsel
Subject: H&M (AGC 2106)
SLFrings/3E977/53657/is
Chron
Reading
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20301
MANPOWER AND
RESERVE AFFAIRS
20 JUN 1375
MEMORANDUM FOR Assistant Secretaries of the Military Departments
(Manpower and Reserve Affairs)
SUBJECT: Service of Cambodian and Vietnamese Volunteers in the
United States Armed Forces
This memorandum establishes the policies to be followed in recruiting
Cambodian and Vietnamese refugees into the Military Services.
Enlistment eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens and aliens admitted
for permanent residency. Evacuees must obtain permanent residency
status either as refugees or through prescribed immigration procedures.
The Services are authorized to screen those evacuees who have been
previously trained by our Armed Forces as well as those in training
in the United States when their governments fell. Those militarily
qualified (mental, physical, and moral standards as well as security)
and also qualified as resident aliens will be given enlistment preference
over non-prior service United States citizen applicants. All other evacuees
without prior U.S. military training who attain permanent residency status
will compete with resident United States applicants for enlistment.
Those applying for Reserve Commission must lawfully qualify for perma-
nent residency and have a skill or ability which enables them to compete
successfully against U.S. citizen applicants. Regular officer applicants
must be American citizens.
William K. Bruth
William K. Broken
Enclosure
REVOLUTION
")
AMERICAN
TENNAL
LIBRARY GERALD R. FORD
1270-1976
6/gc
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ON THE RECRUITMENT OF
CAMBODIAN AND VIETNAMESE VOLUNTEERS
Status of Evacuees
It is anticipated that the vast majority of Cambodian and Vietnamese
evacuees will be admitted to the United States on "parole." Aliens who
enter the United States on "parole" are not eligible for enlistment until
such time as their status is changed to that of permanent residents.
Aliens seeking permanent residence status who are not eligible for such
status as refugees or on the basis of family relationship must, among
other things, have a job offer that is certified by the Department of Labor
as acceptable and not unfairly depriving employment to a qualified American
citizen. Staff at the Department of Labor indicate that military service
does not qualify for certification. Therefore, it would not be appropriate
to cite the Military Services as the prospective employer in any petition
action for permanent residence status.
Eligibility
Evacuees lawfully admitted for permanent residence (possess an Immi-
gration and Naturalization Service Form I-151 or other documentary
evidence issued by the U. S. Immigration and Naturalization Service)
are eligible for enlistment in all four Military Services and for commis-
sioning in the Reserve Components. The authority to commission non-
resident aliens as temporary officers in time of war or national emergency
will not be utilized.
Cambodian and South Vietnamese applicants for enlistment must meet
current Service physical, mental and moral standards and have an ability
to understand and speak English to the same extent required of other enlistees
whose native tongue is other than English (i.e., Puerto Ricans, etc.).
Security
Volunteers for enlistment will be screened through a background investi-
gation using the Immigration and Naturalization Service files, supplemented,
where necessary, by other sources.
Implementation
Former members of the Cambodian and South Vietnamese armed forces
FORD & LIBRARY
currently in a training status, as well a.9 evacuees previously trained by
2
our Services, who are qualified in all respects - including their admission
for permanent residency - will be given priority for enlistment in the
occupation for which they have been trained. This will permit each
Service to acquire trained individuals at minimum cost. Determination
of the enlistment qualifications of these individuals may be accomplished
prior to their admission as permanent residents. However, the individuals
should be informed that this action will in no way affect their application
for admission as permanent residents. All other evacuees applying for
enlistment will be processed in the same manner as other enlistment
applicants. However, they cannot be considered for enlistment until
they have been admitted to the United States as permanent residents.
Reports
Each Service should be prepared on request to report the number of
evacuees who: (1) apply for enlistment; (2) are examined; (3) fail to meet
(a) physical, (b) mental, and (c) moral standards; (4) qualify; (5) enlisted;
and (6) whose enlistment is pending resolution of immigration status.
Separate counts should be maintained for individuals who have had prior
training with American forces and those who have not had such training.
FORD i GERALD LIBRARY
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
1615 H STREET, N.W.
DR. RICHARD L. LESHER
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20062
PRESIDENT
July 22, 1975
202/659-6207
GERALD FORD LIBRAST
Dear Mr.
:
I am sure you will agree that success in finding employment for
Vietnamese refugees depends on the support of the business community.
This letter is to ask your leadership in working with your members and
other organizations to help these refugees find their way in our society
and economy.
Specifically, I would like to ask you to get in touch with local
government officials, labor union leaders, and other business leaders to
consider organizing an informal labor-management-government committee as
a means of developing a cooperative approach to this problem now affect-
ing many communities.
I make this request following a White House meeting sponsored by
The President's Advisory Committee on Refugees. The meeting consisted of
spokesmen for the National Association of Manufacturers, National Alliance
of Businessmen, AFL-CIO, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, United
Auto Workers, and the United Mine Workers. These organizations are urg-
ing their local leaders to cooperate with you in such an effort, if at
all possible.
We are aware that many Americans cannot find suitable employment.
The refugees will be seeking, for the main part, entry-level jobs or
other positions which often go unfilled, or have high turnover rates.
These positions are, therefore, frequently available, even in areas of
rather high unemployment.
It may be helpful to understand the size of this task on a
national basis. There were originally 131,000 persons to be resettled.
Some are professional people, such as doctors and nurses, who are in
demand and need no special help. About 5,000 will return to Vietnam.
Some are expected to enlist in the U. S. military service. And over 60
2
percent of the refugees are women and children. This breakdown means,
according to the President's Advisory Committee on Refugees, that only
about 35,000 persons must have help in finding employment. This works
out to about 10 jobs for each county though, of course, some counties
will receive more families than others. Even so, it is expected that
finding jobs will be a major problem primarily in areas of severe unem-
ployment, and efforts are being made to locate families in more favorable
areas.
I am enclosing material provided by President Ford's Inter-Agency
Refugee Task Force, and hope that you will make this information available
to your business leaders and leaders of other organizations. You will
notice on pages 1 and 2 a list of the national voluntary agencies parti-
cipating in this effort. These agencies are assuming primary responsi-
bility for locating American families that will house Vietnamese families
for the first few months. For additional information, you may want to
call any of these national organizations, or their state or local chapter,
or the toll-free number listed. You may also want to call your governor's
office to learn which state government department is working with the vol-
untary agencies.
A question often asked is the status of Vietnamese with respect to
affirmative action and other EEOC requirements. The Department of Labor
has officially declared the Vietnamese as Oriental and, therefore, their
employment may be in furtherance of an affirmative action program.
The AFL-CIO has asked its local councils to try to find employment
for the refugees, but arrangements will have to be worked out on an indi-
vidual basis by labor and management representatives. This can be one task
of a labor-management-government committee.
Please let me know if there is more we can do to assist you from
here. I will be interested in learning of your successes and problems.
Sincerely,
Richard L. Lesher
Enclosure
FORD
July 22, 1975
Dear Sir and Brother:
Here is a copy of a letter from the U. S. Chamber of Commerce
to their local organizations.
This letter was sent to communities with an unemployment
rate of 9 percent and less.
At a recent meeting in the White House of labor and manage-
ment representatives, the Chamber was asked to initiate this move,
nationally and locally.
The reason is that the heart of the Vietnamese refugee
resettlement. program is jobs - and jobs are the responsibility of
management.
We can help, of course. We hope, therefore, that you will
participate in developing a community coalition to find jobs for
the refugees. Lists of available jobs and skills will be matched
so that resettlement efforts can be expedited.
You will be invited by the Chamber to attend a meeting for
this purpose - - and we hope that you and your representatives will
attend.
I am asking our John McManus to follow through.
With all good wishes,
Sincerely and fraternally
Leo Perlis, Director
Department of Community Services
LP:ma
FORD
Attachment
THE PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
AMBASSADOR JOHN EISENHOWER
July 15, 1975
MR. ROGER D. SEMERAD
CHAIRMAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(202) 456.7034
MAYOR JOSEPH ALIOTO
ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH BERNARDIN
RECENT STATEMENTS ON REFUGEES
MR. ASHBY BOYLE
DR. W. STERLING CARY
MR. JOHN DENVER
MRS. GAETANA ENDERS
GOVERNOR DANIEL EVANS
National Association of Counties
MAYOR MAURICE FERRE
MR. MINOR GEORGE
MR. EDGAR KAISER
The National Association of Counties has adopted
MR. PHILIP KLUTZNICK
a resolution on refugee sponsorship, effective
MR. WILLIAM J. KUHFUSS
June 25, 1975. The Association recommends that
MR. GEORGE MEANY
counties participate in sponsorship efforts on a
MR. CLARKE REED
voluntary basis by working through their local
DR. MALCOLM TODD
ELDER A. THEODORE TUTTLE
community organizations. In addition to this
recommendation, NACo. also suggests strongly that
the counties be actively involved in any federal
decisions on local costs and reimbursement.
Policy Statement on Lao Refugees- from State Dept.
There is no blanket authorization for Lao refugees,
as with Vietnamese and Cambodians. The procedure
is that those Lao seeking to reside in the US
are being asked to first obtain some kind of
international assistance. If these attempts fail
they may be welcome in the US. This policy is in
accordance with that followed around the world in
regard to people seeking asylum in the United
States.
GESALD FORD
national
association
counties
1735 new york avenue, n.w., washington, d.c. 20006
(202) 785-9577
REFUGEE SPONSORSHIP
RESOLUTION
ADOPTED BY
NACo MEMBERSHIP
June 25, 1975
Honolulu, Hawaii
The recent evacuation of large numbers of refugees from Indochina
and their resettlement in the United States should be completed
as rapidly as possible to minimize the disruption of their lives.
County governments can assist in this effort by acting as sponsor-
ing agencies for coordinating the placement of refugees through
local voluntary community organizations.
Similarly, since county governments must bear a large share of the
direct and indirect costs of refugee resettlement, they must be
actively involved in any federal decisions respecting reimburse-
ment.
Accordingly, the Health Steering Committee urges NACo to:
(1) recommend that counties, on a voluntary basis, partici-
pate in the sponsorship of Indochina refugees, working
through their local community organizations for their
placement.
(2) request that the federal government seek meaningful in-
put from county officials, acting through NACo, into
federal decisions on the determination of local costs
and the method of reimbursement by the federal govern-
ment for these costs.
GERALD FORD
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
NSC 7504233
Washington, D.C. 20520
June 24, 1975
Mr. William W. Sage
USAID/LAOS
APO 96352 San Francisco
Dear Mr. Sage:
Your letter of June 5 requesting information about Lao
refugees has been sent to this office for a reply. You
are correct in stating that there is no blanket authori-
zation to accept Lao refugees as there is for Cambodians
and Vietnamese. This is because the laws passed by
Congress specifically mention only Cambodian and
Vietnamese, not Lao, refugees.
At the present time, Lao seeking asylum in the United
States are not being rejected; they are being advised
first to try to obtain asylum in the countries in which
they are living or to obtain assistance from international
organizations, such as the United Nations High Commissioner
on Refugees, to resettle in third countries. If they are
unsuccessful in these efforts, they may then seek asylum
in the U.S. This is essentially the same procedure which
has been applied to Cambodians and Vietnamese who left
their countries by their own means or who were living in
third countries at the time of the fall of the governments
in Phnom Penh and Saigon. This procedure is in accordance
with the policy followed previously around the world in
the case of persons seeking asylum in the U.S. and, in
the case of the Cambodians and Vietnamese living abroad,
was adhered to in accordance with the expressed views
of Congress.
We anticipate, however, that like many of the Cambodians
and Vietnamese around the world, many of the Lao who
have sought asylum in the U.S. will eventually be admitted,
if they are unable to obtain asylum in the countries in
which they are living or to get assistance from international
organizations to resettle in third countries.
I hope this information will be helpful to you and that
you will not hesitate to write if we can be of any
further assistance.
Sincerely,
FORD
James D. Rosenthal
Director for Laos
and Cambodia
JUL 7 1975
Dear Mr. Hampton:
This letter is to request information on an issue
concerning the settlement of the refugees from
Vietnam and Cambodia.
At a meeting of the President's Advisory Committee
on Refugees, it was reported that individuals
admitted in the United States as "parolees" are
excluded from employment in a number of industries,
may not receive certain licenses or certifications
and are otherwise prohibited from certain career
fields.
If this is true then the bars to employment would
appear to pose an obstacle to the successful
integration of the refugees into American society.
In order for this question to be discussed and
evaluated by the Committee, it is essential that
additional information be made available concerning
this question. For example: How widespread is
this practice? Which industries, occupational
groups, professional groups, or labor organizations
are directly affected or involved? What is the
legal basis for this practice?
Accordingly, I am requesting that you explore this
question and advise me of your findings. If
you determine that this is a widespread practice,
I request that you also advise of your recom-
mendations, including any steps that can be taken
to correct or mitigate this practice. The next
meeting of the Advisory Committee is scheduled
for July 23rd and I would be very grateful if you
could furnish this information in time for that
meeting.
FORD
In view of the brief period available, this information
could be in the form of a progress report, preliminary
findings, or even an oral presentation to the Advisory
Committee. I have asked Mr. Walter Kallaur of the
Advisory Committee staff to work with your agency in
this matter.
Your assistance and cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
John S. D. Eisenhower
Chairman
President's Advisory Committee
on Refugees
Honorable Robert E. Hampton
Chairman
Civil Service Commission
1900 E Street
Washington, D. C. 20415
GERALD R. FORD
UNITED
STATES
UNITED STATES CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
IN REPLY PLEASE REFER TO
SERVICE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20415
JUL 22 1975
YOUR REFERENCE
Honorable John S. D. Eisenhower
Chairman, President's Advisory Committee
on Refugees
Washington, D.C. 20506
Dear Mr. Chairman:
This will confirm information provided to Mr. Kallaur by Mr. O'Connor
of my staff, in response to your July 7 letter seeking information
about employment obstacles which Vietnamese and Cambodian refugees
in the United States may encounter.
The, Commission can only speak to employment requirements within the
Federal civil service. The Departments of Commerce and Labor would
be in the best position to provide a general picture of employment
requirements in private business and industry. Within the Federal
service, the head of each agency has general authority to select and
appoint his employees, subject to various statutes and regulations.
When an agency appointing official wishes to employ a national of
Cambodia or Vietnam, or any other noncitizen, there are two special
requirements he must consider which do not apply to United States
citizens--a general appropriation act pay restriction and a Civil
Service Commission regulation.
The general appropriation act restriction, reenacted annually since
the late 1930's, prohibits Federal agencies from using appropriated
funds to pay the salaries of noncitizen employees if their post of
duty is in the continental United States. Certain exceptions are
provided to agencies in the appropriation act, for instance, nationals
of countries allied with the United States in the current defense
effort, translators for temporary periods, and emergency appointments
not exceeding 60 days in the field service. Further, provisions in
specific statutes directly grant certain agencies full or partial
exemptions from the general appropriation act pay restriction.
Exemptions include all positions in the Department of Defense,
and expert, scientific, technical, or professional positions in the
Energy Research and Development Administration. Each agency head
is responsible for complying with the appropriation act restriction
and related exceptions.
FORD
THE MERIT SYSTEM-A GOOD INVESTMENT IN GOOD GOVERNMENT
2.
The other requirement a Federal official must consider before employing
a noncitizen is the Civil Service Commission's longstanding regulation
which prohibits noncitizens from admission to competitive examinations
and, except in emergencies or other special circumstances, from appoint-
ment to jobs in the competitive civil service. The Commission is re-
sponsible for regulating employment in the competitive service, which
comprises over 60 percent of the jobs in the total Federal civil service.
The remainder, called the excepted service, is not subject to the
Commission's employment regulations. Our regulations, including the
one on citizenship, do not apply to the Postal Service, Tennessee Valley
Authority, or other agencies excepted by or under statute from the com-
petitive service. Agencies with positions in the excepted service
determine their own appointing policies subject, of course, to appropria-
tion act pay restrictions. The Postal Service, for example, has decided
to permit its post offices to hire aliens in the absence of qualified
citizens.
Under our regulations, employment of noncitizens is possible if no
qualified citizens are available. Hiring an alien under this authority
temporarily removes the position in which he is placed from the com-
petitive to the excepted service during his occupancy. Under our
regulations, we also can administratively except appointments from the
usual competitive examining requirements when it is not practical to
hold competitive examinations for certain types of employment.
After considering the needs of Federal agencies responsible for directly
assisting the Indochina refugee program, we have authorized an exemp-
tion from competitive examination to permit those agencies to appoint
for up to 2 years noncitizens previously employed by Federal agencies in
Vietnam or Cambodia for work directly assisting the refugee program.
In addition, we are exploring with the Department of Health, Education,
and Welfare that agency's proposal to hire up to 25 Vietnamese physicians
in the absence of qualified citizens.
With one possible exception, I do not anticipate any further change in
the near future in the Commission's policy on employment of aliens in
the Federal competitive service. There is a case, Hampton V. Wong,
which the Supreme Court plans to hear in the fall, concerning the
constitutionality of our citizenship regulation for the competitive
service. An unfavorable decision could significantly affect our
policy. However, the general appropriation act restriction would
remain since it is not at issue in the case.
GERALD FORD
3.
The circumstances in which aliens can be employed in the Federal civil
service are restricted by law and by regulation, but such employment
is permitted under specific conditions. I hope the answers provided
here will be sufficient to satisfy the Committee's need for information
from the Commission for your July 23 meeting.
Sincerely yours,
Robut Hsingston
Robert E. Hampton
Chairman
FORD i RATA LIBRA
July 14, 1975
Dear Bill,
This letter is to request information on an issue
concerning the settlement of the refugees from
Vietnam and Cambodia.
At a meeting of The President's Advisory Committee
on Refugees, it was reported that individuals ad-
mitted in the United States as "parolees" are ex-
cluded from employment in a number of industries,
may not receive certain licenses or certifications
and are otherwise prohibited from certain career
fields.
If this is true then the bars to employment would
appear to pose an obstacle to the successful inte-
gration of the refugees into American society.
In order for this question to be discussed and evalu-
ated by the Committee, it is essential that addi-
tional information be made available concerning this
question. For example: How widespread is this prac-
tice? Which industries, occupational groups, pro-
fessional groups, or labor organizations are di-
rectly affected or involved? What is the legal
basis for this practice?
Accordingly, could you explore these questions and
advise me of your findings? If you determine that
this is a widespread practice, your recommendations,
including any steps that can be taken to correct or
mitigate this practice, would be appreciated. The
next meeting of the Advisory Committee is scheduled
for July 23rd and I would be very grateful of you
could furnish this information in time for that
meeting.
FOR
2
In view of the brief period available, perhaps this
information could be in the form of a progress report,
preliminary findings, or even an oral presentation to
the Advisory Committee. I have asked Mr. Walter Kallaur
of my staff to work with your people in this matter.
Your assistance and cooperation will be greatly appre-
ciated.
Warm personal regards,
Sincerely,
Roger D. Semerad
Mr. William H. Kolberg
Assistant Secretary for Manpower
Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue
Washington, D. C. 20210
LAALO R. FORD CIBRO
THE PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
AMEASSADOR JOHN EISENHOWER
MR. ROGER D. SEMERAD
CHAIRMAN
July 8, 1975
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(202) 456.7034
MAYOR JOSEPH ALIOTO
ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH BERNARDIN
MR. Asmay BOYLE
DR. W. STERLING CARY
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JULIA V. TAFT
MR. JOHN DENVER
MRS. GAETANA ENDERS
FROM:
ROGER D. SEMERAD
GOVERNOR DANIEL EVANS
Roos
MAYOR MAURICE FERRE
SUBJECT:
MR. MINOR GEORGE
TASK FORCE REPORTS ON REFUGEE
MR. EDGAR KAISER
STATUS
MR. PHILIP KLUTZNICK
MR. WILLIAM J. KUHFUSS
MR. GEORGE MEANY
In the daily report on refugee status of July 7, 1975,
MR. CLARKE REED
DR. MALCOLM TODD
it was indicated that 44,062 refugees have been re-
ELDER A. THEODORE TUTTLE
leased into the U.S. It would be very helpful to the
Committee to know what categories are included in this
number. Specifically, how many refugees have been
sponsored out of camps through volunteer agencies;
how many have been sponsored out of camps through
state and local governments; how many refugees were
of independent means and released without sponsors;
how many were American citizens or dependents of
American citizens; and any other significant groups
that I may have omitted.
I am concerned over this issue since it seems that
the daily release rates over the opening period in-
clude the bulk of the easy cases and projections based
on these early figures could be very misleading.
Additionally, I note in the UPI story carried in the
Post on July 8, 1975, that you expect the Chaffee
Camp to be open throughout the winter. I would be
grateful if you would explain this apparent change
in policy since in your letter to Representative
Eilberg you indicated that "resettlement will be
finished by Thanksgiving. Several members of the
Advisory Committee have expressed concern over these
new projections. Your prompt response will be appre-
ciated.
cc: Dr. Marrs
FORD
THE PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
AMBASSADOR JOHN EISENHOWER
MR. ROGER D. SEMERAD
CHAIRMAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(202) 456.7034
MAYOR JOSEPH ALIOTO
ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH BERNARDIN
MR. ASHBY BOYLE
DR. W. STERLING CARY
MR. JOHN DENVER
MRS. GAETANA ENDERS
Dear Julia:
GOVERNOR DANIEL EVANS
MAYOR MAURICE FERRE
At the June 25th meeting of the Advisory Com-
MR. MINOR GEORGE
MR. EDGAR KAISER
mittee, the question of sponsorship was discussed
MR. PHILIP KLUTZNICK
at length. The utilization of state and local
MR. WILLIAM J. KUHFUSS
governments in a sponsorship role offers should
MR. GEORGE MEANY
help but may not be sufficient to meet the
MR. CLARKE REED
sponsorship requirements.
DR. MALCOLM TODD
ELDER A. THEODORE TUTTLE
The consensus of the Committee is that alterna-
tives to the current sponsorship system must be
developed to permit greater utilization of
sponsorship initiations by local organizations,
service clubs, and other bona fide groups. The
recommendation of the staff that the Red Cross
as an additional sponsor identifying agency was
endorsed by the Committee (memorandum attached).
Before reporting to President Ford on the meeting
of the Committee and the recommendations developed,
I would appreciate your views on this subject.
Sincerely,
John S. D. Eisenhower
Chairman
President's Advisory
Committee on Refugees
Mrs. Julia Taft
Interagency Task Force
Room 7516
Department of State
Washington, D. C. 20520
Attachments
CC: Dr. Ted Marrs
GERALD FORD LIBRA,
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 24, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
CHAIRMAN EISENHOWER
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
FROM:
ROGER D. SEMERAD
RRS
SUBJECT:
AN APPROACH AT EXPANDING
SPONSORSHIP
Proposal
That the Task Force authorize direct sponsorship by indi-
viduals, groups of individuals, or organizations by utilizing
the American Red Cross to verify or screen sponsorship offers.
Explanations
This approach envisions the utilization of the American Red
Cross to perform verification of sponsorship offers. This
could be accomplished without disruption of the current
operation of the Volunteer Agencies.
This approach would acknowledge that some individuals who
wish to sponsor a family cannot in all cases accomplish the
sponsorship alone. However, if an individual wanted to
participate as a sponsor he or she would be encouraged to
(1) organize a group of friends or business associates
in order to collectively offer sponsorship, or,
(2) make his or her individual or specialized offer
known to the Red Cross chapter so that the Red Cross could
attempt to assemble the necessary parts of a sponsorship
package.
In the case of sponsorship offer from an individual or a
group, the Red Cross would verify:
1. The good character and reputation of the sponsor (s)
2. That the sponsor (s) is aware of the implications
and requirements of sponsorship.
BALO F. FORD
If the local Red Cross chapter is satisfied that the indivi-
dual or group is capable of a successful sponsorship effort,
it would notify the Interagency Task Force of the valid
sponsorship offer including:
1. Size of family that could be sponsored.
2. Characteristics of family.
3. Employment (a specific offer--or employment opportuni-
ties in the community).
4. Other information as required by the Task Force.
This information could be made available to the Camp Civil
Coordinators in order for the match to be made. Once the
match is made notification could be made through the Red
Cross.
In case of incomplete or partial offers, the local Red Cross
chapter could collect offers of assistance until a complete
sponsorship offer could be developed. Then the offer would
be processed as outlined earlier.
This procedure has the strength of developing and utilizing
comprehensive sponsorship offers at the local level.
Role of the Advisory Committee
The Committee may take a lead role in explaining the need
for additional sponsors by:
1. Emphasizing that the designated volunteer agencies
need the additional support and,
2. Offering the alternative approach through the Red Cross.
This approach has been discussed and tentatively approved
by the Red Cross.
RALO FORD
PROJECT FRIENDSHIP: be a friend
Fact Sheet
1. THE NEED
140,000 Southeast Asian refugees who have lost their home-
land have come to the United States to escape from the tragic
takeover of their own land. All of them have left friends be-
hind. All of them now face a new world, a new way of life.
In order to make the transition into America's way of life,
they too need to feel a sense of belonging. Only by having
a friend can they feel this sense of belonging. And the
best way they can have a friend is if we extend ourselves to
be a friend.
2. THE TARGET
President Ford has stated: "Sixty-five percent of those
who are coming are young people
they deserve the warmth and
the friendship which are typical of America." Project FRIEND-
SHIP is looking to the youth of America to be aware of the
sixty-five percent of the refugees who are also in their youth.
One young person can reach another better than anyone else.
It is, therefore, up to the young people of America to reach
out to the young refugees in their own way of warmth and
friendship.
3. THE MECHANISM
The United States has some forty national youth organiza-
tions all of which have individual state and local chapters and
have a total membership in excess of 2.5 million. These youth
groups are the mechanisms with which Project FRIENDSHIP has to
work. By contacting the national leaders of these groups, and
they in turn by contacting their own state and local chapters,
a massive nationwide awareness effort can be accomplished.
The responsibility then rests on the young people of America
to make Project FRIENDSHIP successful in their own communities.
4. THE IDEA
The hope is that each youth group will formulate programs,
on a group or individual basis, aimed at creating a bond of
friendship between America's youth and these new young refugees.
The refugees need friends to acquaint them with America's cul-
ture, customs, and language. The youth groups of America, by
extending their hospitality and memberships, can give the refu-
gees the helping hand they need in making a smooth transition
into America.
BERAID FORD
2
5. THE GOAL
Everyone can attain the goal of Project FRIENDSHIP: to be
a friend. The President's Advisory Committee on Refugees has
initiated Project FRIENDSHIP to help the resettlement of the
Southeast Asian refugees. Project FRIENDSHIP asks the young
people of America as well as all Americans to help make the
lives of these new neighbors a lot easier simply by extending
a hand. How to be the best kind of a friend is something each
of us must decide.
GEEALD R. FORD
THE PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20506
July 18, 1975
AMBASSADOR JOHN EISENHOWER
MR. ROGER D. SEMERAD
CHAIRMAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MAYOR JOSEPH ALIOTO
(202) 456.7034
ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH BERNARDIN
MR. ASHBY BOYLE
DR. W. STERLING CARY
MR. JOHN DENVER
MRS. GAETANA ENDERS
GOVERNOR DANIEL EVANS
MAYOR MAURICE FERRE
MR. MINOR GEORGE
Dear
MR. EDGAR KAISER
MR. PHILIP KLUTZNICK
I would like to take this occasión to introduce
MR. WILLIAM J. KUHFUSS
MR. GEORGE MEANY
you to "Project FRIENDSHIP," which focuses on the
MR. CLARKE REED
role of American youth in the Southeast Asian
DR. MALCOLM TODD
refugee resettlement program.
ELDER A. THEODORE TUTTLE
Project FRIENDSHIP is a cooperative national
project of the President's Advisory Committee on
Refugees and various American youth organizations.
It is a channel through which the young people of
America can help in our efforts to assist in the
general well-being of young Vietnamese/Cambodian
refugees as they leave the resettlement centers to
join their new American communities.
By extending hospitality and encouraging group
acceptance, youth groups, such as yours, can give
the newly settled young Southeast Asians a sense
of belonging. You can also provide a circle of
friends and acquaintances these youths will need
for navigating their way into the culture of young
America.
On the occasion of signing the Executive Order
establishing the President's Advisory Committee on
Refugees, President Ford stated: "Sixty-five
percent of those who are coming are young people
they deserve the warmth and the friendship which
are typical of America."
Project FRIENDSHIP has been recommended as a
possible activity for secondary school youth by
the President of the National Association of
Secondary School Principals, Allan D. Walker, and
the Director of Student Activities of the National
Association of Student Councils, Terry Giroux.
FORD
STATES
Project FRIENDSHIP is a twofold program; to make
the youth of America aware of the refugees' needs
to have friends to introduce them to our culture
and customs, and to teach them our language; and
to assist the national youth organizations across
the country in how to develop friendship drives as
well as other assimilation programs. Some pos-
sible activities by your organization in various
communities might include an article on Project
FRIENDSHIP in your monthly publications, extending
membership to these young people, special language
and other educational tutoring programs, and
communications to your state and local chapters on
the need to reach out to the refugees.
To get Project FRIENDSHIP launched, we need to
have your help as well. Presidential Committee
Member, Ashby Boyle, and staff member, David
Morin, are developing this project and are inter-
ested in learning of your support.
More information on Project FRIENDSHIP will be
forwarded to you in the near future. We look
forward to hearing of your organization's interest
in participating in this effort.
Sincerely,
Roger D. Semerad
FORD
THE PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20506
July 22, 1974
AMBASSADOR JOHN EISENHOWER
CHAIRMAN
MR. ROGER D. SEMERAD
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MAYOR JOSEPH ALIOTO
(202) 456.7034
ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH BERNARDIN
MR. ASHBY BOYLE
DR. W. STERLING CARY
MR. JOHN DENVER
MRS. GAETANA ENDERS
GOVERNOR DANIEL EVANS
MAYOR MAURICE FERRE
MEMORANDUM FOR:
CHAIRMAN JOHN EISENHOWER
MR. MINOR GEORGE
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE
MR. EDGAR KAISER
MR. PHILIP KLUTZNICK
MR. WILLIAM J. KUHFUSS
FROM:
ROGER D. SEMERAD RMS
MR. GEORGE MEANY
MR. CLARKE REED
SUBJECT:
REPORT OF THE CAMBODIAN/
DR. MALCOLM TODD
VIETNAMESE ADVISORY GROUP
ELDER A. THEODORE TUTTLE
MEETING, JULY 17, 1975
The second meeting of the Vietnamese/Cambodian
Advisory Group focused on the problems of the
refugees after departure from camp. Cultural
adjustment, social problems, employment problems
and eligibility for various Federal assistance
programs were discussed. Representatives of
various Federal Agencies explained and discussed
the scope and eligibility of those governmental
programs pertinent to the resettlement effort.
I.
PROBLEMS OF TRANSITION FROM CAMP LIFE
The Vietnamese and Cambodian Advisory Group
identified the lack of information dealing with
what the refugees may expect to encounter upon
release from a camp as a particularly significant
problem. The Advisory Group contended that
refugees are particularly vulnerable to rumors and
misinformation since no authoritative source of
information has been identified for the refugees.
Additionally, problems of information are of
greater significance for those refugees who are
not resettled in areas containing concentrations
of refugees.
A
The Vietnmese and Cambodian Advisory
Committee recommended chat a partial solution to
the problems of isolation, misinformation, and
cultural adjustment could be made if the
CERALD FORD
following three courses of action were endorsed by
the Government:
1.
Vietnamese and Cambodian Telephone
Information Hot Line. The Vietnamese/
Cambodian Advisory Group recommended
that a toll-free telephone information
number be established with Vietnamese
and Cambodian operators available to
provide general information concerning
Government programs, other types of
assistance, and contact with the voluntary
agencies. If such a telephone number
were available then any refugee who
was stranded or found themselves in some
manner of trouble would have an immediate
resource to contact in order to find out
what should be done, and possibly preclude
these categories of problems or abuses
which arise from linguistic difficulties.
2.
Visits to the Camps. The Vietnamese/
Cambodian Advisory Group recommended
that the Federal Government both en-
courage and take an active role in
sponsoring visits to the camps by
refugees who have been resettled. The
fears and apprehensions of those refugees
still in camp may be lessened by contact
with others who have gone through the
resettlement system, have been well
treated, have found employment, and
have otherwise become established.
3.
Cultural Centers. The Vietnamese/
Cambodian Advisory Group recommended
that the Federal Government encourage
the establishment of cultural and
information centers in areas with
significant concentrations of refugees.
(These centers could serve as a focal
point for the exchange of ideas and
information.) It is believed that
contact with other refugees should be
encouraged to minimize the social and
cultural isolation common to any abrupt
change in life.
2
FORD
CALD
git
B. At the conclusion of the session, the
Vietnamese and Cambodian Advisory Group selected
three representatives to represent the Advisory
Group at this meeting of the President's Advisory
Committee. The individuals selected were: Dr.
Tran Dinh De, Miss Le Thi Ahn, and Mrs. Pan Sothi.
II. FEDERAL AGENCY PARTICIPATION.
Representatives of eleven Federal Agencies or
Administrations made presentations to the Vietnamese/
Cambodian Advisory Group concerning the assistance
programs available to resident aliens and parolees.
The Advisory Group was particularly interested in
a number of the programs and indicated that the
presentations of the Federal Agency representatives
were very helpful in understanding what forms of
assistance could be available to the refugees.
The fact-sheets and other documents provided by
the Federal Agencies were made available to the
editors of several of the Vietnamese and Cambodian
periodicals, to be translated and distributed
within the refugee community. Additionally,
arrangements have been made to provide the Inter-
agency Task Force with the same documents and
materials so that an abstract of the various
Federal Agency programs may be prepared for dis-
tribution within the camps.
III. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS
A. That the Committee endorse the continuation
of the Vietnamese/Cambodian Advisory Group and
authorize such staff support as required.
B. That the Committee authorize the payment
of travel and other expenses for Vietnamese and
Cambodian nationals engaged in public information
activities or other appropriate activities, as
directed by the Committee.
FORD
LIBRA
3
THE PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20506
AMBASSADOR JOHN EISENHOWER
MR. ROGER D. SEMERAD
CHAIRMAN
July 16, 1975
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(202) 456-7034
MAYOR JOSEPH ALIOTO
ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH BERNARDIN
MR. ASHBY BOYLE
DR. W. STERLING CARY
MR. JOHN DENVER
MRS. GAETANA ENDERS
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
GOVERNOR DANIEL EVANS
MAYOR MAURICE FERRE
MR. MINOR GEORGE
FROM:
ROGER D. SEMERAD
MR. EDGAR KAISER
MR. PHILIP KLUTZNICK
SUBJECT:
EVENTS LEADING TO CESSATION OF
MR. WILLIAM J. KUHFUSS
THE PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MR. GEORGE MEANY
ON REFUGEES PUBLIC RELATIONS/TV
MR. CLARKE REED
DR. MALCOLM TODD
PROJECT BY INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE
ELDER A. THEODORE TUTTLE
June 10
Delaney contacted The Advertising Council (TAC)
on a national TV support campaign on sponsor-
ship.
June 11
TAC submitted material and proposal to Delaney.
Campaign would not be ready until mid-September
(most optimistic).
June 25
Motion made and carried by The President's
Advisory Committee on Refugees to implement
TV media spot.
June 26
Request made to the Interagency Task Force for
TV spot funding (Semerad to Ford) - no reply.
Proposals from Airlie House/ESC/Tampene (un-
solicited) received.
June 27
Request from Semerad to R. DuBois, IATF (DOD)
for TV spot funding - no reply.
June 30
(a) PACR staff locate year-end funds at SRS,
DHEW.
(b) Educational Systems Corp (ESC) selected as
contractor.
(c) ASE, DHEW agreet to let contract.
&
FORD
GERALD
2
(d) All approvals secured and firm fixed price
contract negotiated for $225,000.
(e) Year-end funds changed from S&E to Special
Refugee Appropriation.
July 1
DHEW (Wortman) - Project now requires clearance
by Mrs. Taft. No problems expected.
July 2
Wortman to Semerad and Delaney. Mrs. Taft
still had not cleared contract.
July 3
(a) (Noon) J. Taft and Semerad agree on TV
spot contract. Mrs. Taft will "sign off
on contract on recommendation of PACR."
PACR staff will assume contract responsi-
bility; however, program development and
contract will be closely coordinated with
the IATF.
(b) (6:00 p.m.) Delaney met with J. Taft and
Gordon King (ESC) on the clearance of the
contract. J. Taft requested a detailed
budget and a demonstration of previous ESC
filming accomplishments. J. Taft expressed
concern over coordination with the IATF.
Delaney assured her that this would be done.
July 7
J. Taft informed Semerad that IATF has second
thoughts on contract and requires detailed
budget and demonstration of ESC capabilities.
July 10
IATF meeting with J. Taft, F. Weisner, E. Green,
J. Brady, Semerad and Delaney at State Depart-
ment. TV spots pushing sponsorship is premature
per J. Taft. IATF must develop a comprehensive
public affairs plan prior to any P.A. campaign.
FORD
THE NEW YORK TIMES, TUESDAY, JULY 22, 1975
Many Refugees Are Reluctant to Leave
the Security of 4 Camps and Get Resettled
B7 LAW Alexica
** No x ACTIONS INSURANCE FOR
** No 1000mg
Name - N 40 HOSPECTS LANGUAGE TRAINING
The New York Times
Nguyen Luan, an interpreter, pointing out a location on a poster at Camp Pendleton, Calif., to a refugee family. The
billboard gives information on Colombia for people who may wish to settle there.
FORD & LIBRARY RALD
Hugh Scott, Refugee Sponsor
Sen. Hugh Scott (R-Pa.) is believed
to be the first member of the U.S.
Senate to sponsor a family of Viet-
namese refugees.
The Senate minority leader has
hired Phan Thi Yen in his Harris-
burg office. Her main task is to find
sponsors for her 15,000 fellow Viet-
namese refugees at Ft. Indiantown
Gap, near Harrisburg. In Saigon, she
Personalities
worked for the U.S. embassy and is
credited with saving more than 100
American lives during the evacuation
at the end of the war in Vietnam this
spring.
Her husband is Tran Dan Ry, and
they have three small children, rang-
ing from 3 to 7 years old. They live
in an apartment in Harrisburg. Tran
is trying to get medical-school train-
ing to implement his medical aid
experience in Saigon.
Farm families can help refugees
by being sponsors, Kuhfuss says
Farm families can help refugees from Viet Nam and Cambodia by serving as sponsors,
according to William J. Kuhfuss, a member of the President's Advisory Committee on
Refugees and president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.
"A SPONSOR'S role," Kuhfuss said, "is to
(1) receive the refugee and his family in his
help a refugee family make the transition from
community after processing is completed at one
refugee status to that of a self-sufficient
of the U.S. reception centers; (2) provide shelter
member of the community."
and food until the refugee becomes self-
Sponsorship can take the form of an offer of
sufficient, (3) provide clothing and pocket
support, employment, or both. A sponsor also
money, (4) provide assistance in finding
must be ready to help the refugee with such
employment and in school enrollment for
things as adjustment to a new culture and
children, and (5) cover ordinary medical costs or
acquaintance with American law and require-
medical insurance.
ments.
Once employment is obtained, the sponsor is
"WHILE SPONSORSHIP is not a formal,
expected to assist the refugee to locate
legal commitment," Kuhfuss said, "the sponsor
permanent housing, acquire minimal furniture,
undertakes a clear moral commitment to help the
and arrange for utilities,
refugee to the best of his ability."
BY DIALING the toll-free number of
Kuhfuss added that a sponsor is expected to
800-368-1180, one can obtain complete
information on becoming a sponsor.
Kuhfuss said, "Although less than five
percent of the nearly 140,000 refugees are from
food and fiber production occupations, the rural
areas of our nation offer much in helping any of
FORD
these displaced persons to learn and adjust to the
American way of life."
CERAED
LIBRARY
Friday, July 11, 1975
The Washington Star
clined to attribute the me
Refugee Aid
to the chaotic nature of tl
huge, sudden refugee pro
lem rather than to a
In a 'Mess,'
individual's administrati
shortcomings.
Nonetheless, when de
Help on Way
ciencies in the progra
began to become obvior
the Ford administrati
had to decide how to de
Headquarters Staff,
with them.
Controls Beefed Up
RATHER THAN remo
By Henry S. Bradsher
ing Taft from the most p
Washington Star Staff Writer
licly visible job that the
Bucbleme within the
administration has given
THE NEW YORK TIMES, SUNDAY, JULY. 13, 1975
]
Boredom Lengthens Refugees' Days on Army Base
By JAMES T. WOOTEN
English classes, organized
They wash and mend the
Special to The New York Times
games, movies and meals are
clothes and clean the rooms
FORT INDIANTOWN CAR
all available-advertised dai-
moment at the mountains
in the barracks and in their
tthe the .
THE WASHINGTON POST Wednesday, July 9, 1975
R
Sponsor Abuses, Failings Cited
Refugee Problems Mounting
By Bill Richards and Austin Scott
placement I've never seen a breakdown
Washington Post Staff Writers
rate like this."
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