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Indochina Refugees - President's Advisory Committee: Meeting, 6/3/75
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1505199
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Indochina Refugees - President's Advisory Committee: Meeting, 6/3/75
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Theodore C. Marrs Files (Ford Administration)
Theodore Marrs' General Subject Files
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Vietnam (Republic)
Independent regulatory commissions
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Vietnamese Americans
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1505199
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1975-06-30
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1975
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1975-05-01
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5
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1975
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The original documents are located in Box 11, folder "Indochina Refugees - President's
Advisory Committee: Meeting, 6/3/75" 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
Digitized from Box 11 of the Theodore C. Marrs Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
There have been distinet signature
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UNITED STATES COMMITTEE
FOR REFUGEES
20 WEST 40th STREET
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10018
TELEPHONE: 212 564-3272
Officers
MAXWELL M. RABB, President
GEORGE MEANY, Vice President
SAMUEL W. MEEK, Vice President
REGINALD H. HELFFERICH, Treasurer
VICTOR JACOBS, General Counsel
FRANCES H. HOWARD,
Chairman of the Executive Committee
NORRIS WILSON,
Executive Vice President
GERAID E. CONNOLLY
FORD it LIBRARY GERALD
call: 254-3487 Wash
Members of the Board
MARIAN ANDERSON
c/o AFFHF
WILLIAM S. BERNARD
WALTER H. BIERINGER
1100 17th St NW. sinke 701
DOROTHEA BLUM
WILLIAM L. BREESE
MADELEINE CARROLL
WASH. D.C. 20036.
RUTH Z. CASSELMAN
JACK H. COHEN
MRS. EDISON DICK
ANGIER BIDDLE DUKE
LUTHER H. EVANS
JOHN B. FORD, III
MRS. ERWIN N. GRISWOLD
JOHN W. HANES, JR.
CELESTE HOLM
GLORIA STARR KINS
MRS. ALBERT D. LASKER
RALPH LAZARUS
LEWIS LEHRMAN
WILBERT J. LeMELLE
HENRY A. LOEB
MRS. OSWALD B. LORD
CLARE BOOTHE LUCE
GEORGE M. MARDIKIAN
EDWARD B. MARKS
GRAHAM MARTIN
MAXWELL M. RABB
ROBERT S. McCOLLUM
NICHOLAS MORLEY
E. FREDERIC MORROW
ROBERT D. MURPHY
JACOB S. POTOFSKY
MARSHA HUNT PRESNELL
RICHARD W. REUTER
MARY G. ROEBLING
KARL F. ROLVAAG
GEORGE N. SHUSTER
MRS. HARPER SIBLEY
LOWELL THOMAS
ALEXANDRA TOLSTOY
ROBERT F. WAGNER
RICHARD H. WEST
JAMES W. WINE
Contributions to the United States
Committee for Refugees, Inc.
are tax deductible.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
MEETING #2
June 3, 1975 10:00 a.m.
Room 4203 NEOB
AGENDA
FORD & LIBRARY 07V835
1.
Opening statement by Chairman Eisenhower.
2.
Review of minutes of previous meeting.
3.
Schedule of future meetings:
June 25, 1975
July 23, 1975
4.
Interagency Task Force Report
Julia V. Taft, Acting Director
5.
Voluntary Agency Report
6.
Plans for refugee input to the Advisory Committee
7.
Introduction of new Advisory Committee Staff.
8.
Discussion of:
Briefing materials
Sponsor guidelines
Required information
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
MEETING #2
June 3, 1975 10:00 a.m.
Room 4203 NEOB
AGENDA
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
1.
Opening statement by Chairman Eisenhower.
2.
Review of minutes of previous meeting.
3.
Schedule of future meetings:
June 25, 1975
July 23, 1975
4.
Interagency Task Force Report
Julia V. Taft, Acting Director
800/44
5.
Voluntary Agency Report
the
6.
Plans for refugee input to the Advisory Committee
7.
Introduction of new Advisory Committee Staff.
food
8.
Discussion of:
Briefing materials
Sponsor guidelines
Required information
handle
Union
Increased
UNHER
The
0
0
bus
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
THE PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON REFUGEES
FORD
MINUTES OF MEETING #1
Friday, May 23, 1975
CERALD
New Executive Office Building Room 4203
Opening remarks by Dr. Theodore C. Marrs. He discussed the
distinct phases in the processing of refugees - the extraction
of people from Vietnam; the acceptance of people moving from
Vietnam (9,000 increase during this week); setting up of
basic processing; expediting clearances which were slow in
the beginning; establishing Vietnamese communities in the
processing centers; and the movement of the Vietnamese into
the U.S. community. 18,432 have been released; 1,100 have
indicated a desire to return to Vietnam.
The earlier phases were conducted under the State Department;
at this point in time we are shifting to HEW. Ambassador
L. Dean Brown has resigned and may be replaced by a repre-
sentative from HEW to reflect the domestic instead of the
foreign aspect.
Dr. Marrs expressed the President's appreciation for the
Committee Members' prompt response in adjusting their
schedules in order to accept their responsibilities on the
Committee.
Swearing-In of Committee Members was administered by Mr. John
J. Ratchford of the White House Staff.
Chairman John Eisenhower discussed future meetings. There
will be a meeting every week or every two weeks at the
start, then monthly. On that basis, the next meeting will
be June 3 at 10:00 a.m.
In response to a question of schedule conflicts, Dr. Marrs
stated that designating an alternate is acceptable.
Chairman Eisenhower opened discussion about a draft report
to be sent to the President within the next couple of days
on the Committee's trip to Ft. Chaffee. This will be
distributed. Members are requested to call in their correc-
tions and/or objections to Roger Semerad by Tuesday, May 27.
Make sure that this is in accordance with the understanding
of all members.
2
Dr. Marrs reported on the meeting with the Voluntary Agencies
on May 22. Met with eleven agencies. The role of the Advisory
Committee was explained. The group was asked for their
professional advice and candid comments pertaining to the
situation at present, based on their experiences in other
refugee processing centers. Dr. Marrs highlighted the meeting
report submitted to the Committee.
Mrs. Gaetana Enders reported on her visit to Camp Pendleton.
During this past week the Camp was much better organized.
The head of the Task Force, Nick Thorne, has done a fine
job. Everybody agreed that the situation was unsatisfactory,
but it is improving rapidly. Morale among the refugees is
good. Recommend that Cambodian refugees should be kept
together. They are very family oriented like the Vietnamese.
The Vietnamese are more opportunity oriented than are the
Cambodians.
Mrs. Enders suggested the development of a TV show - showing
a sponsor and a refugee family, giving a detailed report
on sponsoring, so that the public will not be confused as
to their responsibilities.
Elder A. Theodore Tuttle reported that the Mormon organization
has about ten times more sponsors than they have refugee
families and forego the $500 from the government.
Archbishop Joseph L. Bernardin: The U.S. Catholic Conference
has a rather extensive refugee program - very much aware of
the problems, but are very optimistic as we all pull together.
They have written to ask that a collection be taken up among
their people and have established 158 resettlement offices
throughout the country to be staffed by our service people
in those areas.
Mr. Leo Perlis stated that the AFL/CIO had a representative
at Camp Pendleton for four days and the report was rather
positive. Watched the VolAgs work in Miami and they did a
tremendous job. They are doing their day-to-day jobs, and
in his opinion the Committee should consult with them more.
Mr. Philip Klutznick stated that the Advisory Committee is
in a position to ask the service clubs to contribute and
perhaps raise money on their own for this project. It might
be good to designate members as liaison with the VolAgs.
3
There are considerable resources available in the service
clubs and businessmens' clubs. The VolAgs need to know the
interest of these organizations.
Chairman Eisenhower asked (1) if it would be a good idea to
have a subcommittee of this Committee for liaison with the
VolAgs; (2) would we want to recommend that the $500 per
person allotment be looked at with a view to raise it.
Mr. Klutznick suggested it would be better if we maintained
individual relationships with the Voluntary Agencies.
Mr. Perlis recommended a rotating representative from the
Voluntary Agencies to the Advisory Committee on a regular
basis.
Chairman Eisenhower asked how many have direct contact with
the VolAgs. There were seven.
Mr. David Ford mentioned that the Task Force meets with the
VolAgs weekly.
Mr. Minor George: Organizations who will want to contribute
will be calling and wanting information. Guidelines need to
be set. VolAgs will be welcome at every meeting which will
be held by the Committee.
Mr. Roger Semerad indicated they were invited to this meeting
today and an open invitation would be extended.
Mr. George said that he has four requests for speeches and
needs guidelines. Does not have enough information to use
in talking to these organizations. People want definite work
skills when they sponsor refugees.
Mrs. Enders: Women want to know if there are plans to establish
a Subcommittee for Women. If the Committee thinks that this
is good, she would be willing to start it.
Dr. W. Sterling Cary indicated that the Committee needs clari-
fication of its role. It is being pressed for news, conferences
and speeches.
Mr. Leo Perlis requested detailed information on the responsi-
bilities of sponsorship. Would like to be able to send
information to all the people who telephone, who want to
participate -- questions such as who are the sponsors, what
4
R.
FORD
does one have to do, who is the contact, and what about
medical costs; all Committee Members ought to have this
to send to our people.
SERAZE
Chairman Eisenhower requested the staff develop with the
Task Force a set of guidelines establishing the responsibil-
ities of sponsorship for distribution through the primary
VolAgs. We should send out notification so that those 11
will know that they can attend every meeting we have.
The Chairman outlined a six part assignment:
1.
The White House Staff will draw up guidelines
for VolAgs with responsibilities for sponsorships.
2.
Guidelines will include references to the agenda
items of this Committee and VolAgs will be
notified prior to each meeting.
3.
As a matter of principle, we will express
appreciation for help offered and request that
as much as possible this help be directed
through the 11 or 12 established VolAgs.
4.
Reassessment of the $500 per head.
5.
Discrepancies between the May 2 and the May 19
instructions.
6.
Ideas will be examined for a Women's Subcommittee
to be discussed at the next meeting.
Dr. Malcolm C. Todd. An AMA representative visited Camp
Pendleton and paid a great tribute to the Camp officials and
the refugees.
Mr. Semerad indicated that it will take several days to get
the Committee office set up. The travel accounts will be take
care of and a steady stream of informational material will
be provided for the Members to use in their contacts.
Mr. Tuttle reported on his recent visit to Guam. The same
conditions exist as at Camp Pendleton. They have done
everything they could do in the time they have had. He has
5
done a lot of interviewing of refugees and knows their back-
ground and also interviews the sponsors about family, jobs,
homes - what the family is like - in order to select the
best sponsor. Placing a family with a sponsor must be done
permanently; he stressed that it is a shortsighted process
to hurriedly arrange a sponsor.
Chairman Eisenhower in going over the Roles and Objectives,
the Committee is to:
1.
Inform the President of things that come to
the Committee's attention.
2.
Stress public relations, public knowledge,
and public understanding with emphasis on
resettlement.
A great deal of understanding has been developed in a week,
however, there is not going to be instant efficiency.
The Chairman extended his appreciation for the Members'
cooperation.
The meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m.
ATTENDING
Ambassador John Eisenhower, Chairman
Archbishop Joseph Bernardin, Member
Ashby Boyle, Member
Dr. W. Sterling Cary, Member
Mrs. Gaetana Enders, Member
Minor George, Member
Philip Klutznick, Member
Clarke Reed, Member
Dr. Malcolm Todd, Member
Rankin Lusby for Mr. Kuhfuss
Leo Perlis for Mr. Meany
Ralph Munro for Mr. Evans
Carl Pagter for Mr. Kaiser
Manolo Roboso for Mr. Ferre
Dr. Ted Marrs, Special Assistant to the President
Roger Semerad, Executive Director, PACR
David Ford, Interagency Task Force
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 2, 1975
FORD
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
JSDE
FROM:
JOHN S. D. EISENHOWER
SUBJECT:
Presidential Advisory Committee on
Refugees Visit to Ft. Chaffee,
Arkansas, May 20, 1975.
The Advisory Committee visited Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas, to
observe first hand the accommodations and the processing
systems established at that relocation center, which
is currently handling approximately 24,000 Vietnamese
refugees.
The Committee was accompanied by Ambassador L. Dean Brown
and other representatives of the Interagency Task Force.
All were impressed by the close cooperation between the
local Interagency Task Force officials and the supporting
Army contingent. In addition, the voluntary assistance
of the surrounding Arkansas community was very much in
evidence, due largely, in our opinion, to strenuous public
relations efforts on the part of the civilian coordinator,
Mr. Donald MacDonald.
This refugee resettlement center has defined its tasks as
three-fold: (a) to receive and process the Vietnamese
refugees, (b) to run a small city, population 24,000,
and (c) to facilitate the careful placement of refugees
throughout the United States.
Since the beginning of May, 25,814 people have arrived,
mostly from South Vietnam. All have undergone initial
processing, and 18,500 have completed processing to the
point where they can leave as soon as sponsors are found.
Approximately 2,500 have come and gone. Commitments for
over 6,000 additional placements have been made.
2
The Advisory Committee observed refugees going through
the various administrative stages which include preliminary
processing, medical evaluation, immigration and naturali-
zation screening, social security registration, social
rehabilitation services, security clearance from INS, and
the departure services provided by HEW. We were advised
that these administrative activities are proceeding in
an efficient, well-organized manner. The security clearance
delays experienced at first are now being diminished as
the computerized refugee records become more available.
Through the cooperation of the Task Force and Army personnel
the administration of this "city" encompasses all the
usual aspects of community management. The refugees
participate actively. To maintain local government, each
of the 236 barracks have elected a representative to a
council, which has in turn elected a Vietnamese "mayor."
The mayor meets with the council each evening, and a sub-
committee structure has been formed to work closely with
the voluntary agencies.
The Education Committee has been allocated sixteen buildings
for schools. Presently over 200 classes are being conducted
each day, enrolling 7,000 children. This school system
is being run by the Southern Baptist Conference and includes
Vietnamese and American teachers. It ranks as the sixth
largest school system in the State of Arkansas.
The morale and participation of refugee volunteers is
exceptional, some of whom are Vietnamese-Americans, United
States residents for as long as sixteen years.
A newspaper in the Vietnamese language is circulated daily,
and a local civilian radio station is providing a fifteen
minute daily broadcast in Vietnamese. Subject matter
encompasses news of the world, stressing those items of
particular importance to the people in the center.
No major crime problem has occurred; even small misdemeanors
requiring action have been rare.
Although the reception of refugees and the administration
of the "city" are proceeding in admirable fashion, the
ultimate task, that of placement, is only beginning. This
FORD
3
BERALD
function is a primary responsibility of ten major American
voluntary agencies (VOLAGs), which historically have
facilitated resettlement of millions of displaced persons.
(See attached list.) These voluntary agencies are under
preliminary contract with the Federal Government.
The voluntary agencies are in operation. They stress
that the primary criteria for placement in an American
community are the impact on that community, the quality
of the individual sponsors, and the availability of jobs.
The Employment Service of the Department of Labor will
provide ten specialists to work with the VOLAGs in an
effort to avoid placement of individuals in communities
with extraordinarily high unemployment rates. Further,
they will endeavor to correlate the skills of the refugees
with the local situation. Careful screening of sponsors,
through the network of community volunteer agencies, is
a critical activity.
The Advisory Committee asked the local officials how we
could best assist in this effort. The consensus was that
we could (a) help to educate the civic clubs throughout the
United States regarding the requirements for sponsorship
and (b) identify the local participating voluntary agencies
for channeling the legitimate requests for sponsorship.
It was also suggested that the Advisory Committee become
well acquainted with the roles and problems of the volunteer
agencies. (A useful meeting of the VOLAG representatives
with Committee and White House Staff has already been held
and future meetings scheduled.)
Although resettlement is primarily a local function, the
Committee must make every possible effort to help shorten
the time of encampment for the refugees. No delay in their
assimilation into the American community can be tolerated.
Those refugees who wish to return to Vietnam are beginning
to come forward, and all have been assured that return is
indeed possible in accord with existing international
procedures. The one hundred refugees who are interested
in returning to Vietnam from Fort Chaffee are predominantly
men wishing to rejoin their families.
4
After reviewing this refugee resettlement center we believe
that the proper mechanisms have been set in motion and
there is accumulating evidence that progress is taking
place. Within a remarkably short time the personal welfare
of the refugees is being well attended to. Their natural
anxieties are being abated as they learn that we do indeed
have a place for them in our society and that all concerned
are working in their best long term interest. Their
confidence is being enhanced by their own participation in
the administrative and governing processes.
Under your leadership the efforts of this Committee, of the
Interagency Task Force, and of the voluntary agencies will
hopefully dispel public misconceptions and apprehensions
regarding acceptance of refugees in our society. We will
also be addressing some of the longer term problems with
a view to determining preventive measures.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
10% administration
YOU are the link
CHURGE SE WORLD + SERVICE
CHURCH WORLD SERVICE
475 Riverside Drive
New York, New York 10027
U.S. A
CHURCH ATTENDANCE
Social Welfare Agencies about local or nearby organ-
izations which offer guidance and help to new arrivals.
Some new arrivals would
like to attend your church,
Explain about medical services in the community
especially if it may be the
and about health and hospitalization insurance.
only Protestant church in
the vicinity. Take them with you. Invite them to group
meetings at church. They may feel too shy at first to
EDUCATION
attend by themselves.
Help your new people enter the children at school;
If they are members of a church not your own, make
explain about school lunches. Help the adults find
a definite appointment to take them to their own
opportunity to learn English or improve their knowl-
church. They should feel free to join the church of
edge of it. Your public schools, YWCA or YMCA,
their own choice.
or International Institute probably have classes. Your
State University sometimes has correspondence
courses in citizenship. And, of course, they should
LEGAL FACTORS
learn about libraries, museums, free lectures, etc. You
will want to counsel and cooperate with your people
The newcomers need to
about educational and vocational training, and other
know their rights, privi-
ways of improving themselves in this new land of
leges, and obligations, and
freedom and opportunity.
how and when they may
become citizens.
Many sponsors and churches have found that work-
ing with and for a newcomer has brought real bless-
They have been furnished some information about
ings and a broadening experience to the church and
their responsibilities to report addresses, register for
to the community. We are confident it will to you.
the draft, carry alien registration cards if over 18
years. In routine matters, the nearest office of the Im-
migration and Naturalization Service of the U.S. De-
partment of Justice may be consulted. Wherever
helpful, suggest that people consult an immigrant wel-
fare agency, like International Institutes, Foreign
Secretaries of YWCA's or YMCA's, or write to your
denominational headquarters which will consult with
Church World Service. Explain our tax laws and pro-
cedures. There are laws in many states restricting
aliens' rights to certain kinds of employment or public
assistance. But, in many places, public spirited groups
have worked to secure equal rights for citizens and
aliens alike. We suggest you secure a copy of "How
to Become a Citizen of the United States," American
Council for Nationalities Service, 20 West 40 Street,
New York, New York 10018.
SOCIAL SERVICES
If problems emerge, we suggest you consult your
minister, or your Council of Churches, or Council of
You are the link for them between their old life and their new.
SPONSORS, your refugees look to you-
Your Christian concern makes it possible for them to come.
WHO ARE THE REFUGEES?
the religious practices of the heritage to which your
SOMETHING OLD - SOMETHING NEW
out from a minister, a family service agency, or a
new arrivals belong. They, too, have been reading
Council of Churches in that locality whether there
They represent all types of people from all walks
about life in the United States, our climate, geogra-
New arrivals generally are mature people with con-
really is a place and a job for them. If they go to a new
of life. Many of them are victims of oppression or
phy, customs and churches.
siderable successful experience. They bring with them
sponsor, you are immediately relieved of your own
calamity-who, like our own ancestors, seek a new life
quite firm ideas about satisfying life's daily needs.
responsibilities. We suggest that if you are able to do
of freedom, opportunity and purpose in America.
Both you and they will be making realistic adjust-
You, too, know a great deal about meeting the prob-
more, you offer to take a substitute from your de-
ments in the expectations of each other based on what
lems of daily life in this country. Maybe all the solu-
you thought in advance and what they had dreamed
nominational refugee committee. Make the adjust-
tions the new arrivals bring along are not appropriate
SELECTION
about for so many years. With vision, imagination,
ment in a way fair to yourself as well as to your
or practical for new conditions in this country. In the
strength, and patience you will achieve mutual under-
refugees.
main, it is wise to let them find this out for themselves.
Your church is represented through Church World
standing which is the key to successful resettlement.
Encourage them to weigh and test. Maybe you, too,
Keep your temper, your humor, your love!
Service and the World Council of Churches in a score
will learn new ways to do things, how to cook a tasty
of overseas countries where there are refugees with
dish, or how to decorate a room with charm. They may
but one hope: a permanent home. Competent World
PLANS FOR ARRIVAL
at first appear to be "slow" only because of a language
EMPLOYMENT
Council of Churches staff members counsel these
barrier.
refugees and, where possible, help them prepare the
You will receive notice
Help your new arrivals
considerable documentation required by our govern-
from CWS or your denom-
get their Social Security
ment from prospective immigrants. The CWS office
inational headquarters giv-
numbers. The address of
in New York receives a dossier with background in-
ing expected date of arrival
LET THEM CONTRIBUTE
your nearest Social Secur-
formation and photograph on each applicant. These
at port of entry and asking for inland transportation
ity office can be secured from the Post Office, or from
dossiers are carefully distributed among our cooperat-
funds to be advanced at that time in order that all
Your newcomers will
the telephone book under: "U.S. Government, De-
ing national Protestant and Eastern Orthodox resettle-
arrangements for their transportation can be made
have really "arrived" only
partment of Health, Education and Welfare."
ment offices, which, in turn, arrange local sponsor-
before they arrive. This notice usually reaches you
when they have begun to
contribute themselves. This
Go with them, by public transportation, to their
ships across the U.S.A. Each denominational resettle-
two to four weeks in advance. Sometimes the refugees
may write the good news to you before CWS is able
means not only in their jobs, but also in the com-
new jobs, explaining carefully and slowly about bus
ment office or its regional branch renders the very
personal service which the "matching" of refugee and
to get it to you.
munity. Find out if they have talents to use in a folk
names, numbers, and letters, fares and transfers, start-
sponsor entails.
festival, a holiday celebration, a musical, dancing,
ing and stopping points both coming and going. Write
CWS will meet your people at the port of arrival
culinary skills, arts and crafts, the life of the church.
down on a slip of paper the location of job, bus route,
(usually New York City for those coming from Europe
address and phone where you can be reached.
DO ENOUGH BUT NOT TOO MUCH
and San Francisco for those coming from the Far
Explain carefully their duties, hours, wages, pay-
East). Plan to meet them at your own local station.
Once you know that a refugee or refugee family
The arrivals from Europe usually speak their own lan-
HUMAN FACTORS
days, pay roll deductions, and everything pertinent to
the job. They will want to know if they can join a
will be coming through your sponsorship, the biggest
guage and frequently some German and a little Eng-
thing you can do is to help these people become estab-
lish. If you can take someone with you to the station
Sometimes, although not often, sponsors find that
company health insurance plan.
who can speak their native language, so much the
some advance information on their case was in error.
lished again so they can make their own decisions,
make their own way, and make their own contribution
better. Watch for their CWS badge. Learn to greet
This probably happened only because someone unin-
in their new community.
them by their names.
tentionally misinterpreted what was said overseas.
JOB PROMISE IS NOT A CONTRACT
Boats and planes usually land in the morning. It
Occasionally a newcomer family may wish to go to
Your new refugees have accepted the moral obliga-
often takes half the day to complete immigration for-
another city to be with relatives or friends. There is
tion to try their best to fulfill the jobs found for them.
THEY ARE PEOPLE OF DIGNITY AND WORTH
malities. If possible, CWS will put your new arrival
no way, of course, in which they can be held against
But they are free, by law, to improve their lot by ac-
on the train or bus the same day. To avoid an expen-
their will. The sponsorship accepted by them is not a
cepting more favorable employment. Employers, too,
You can find at your public library books on the
sive stopover in New York, you therefore may be in-
contract. But before encouraging them to move, it
by law, are free to hire or fire new arrivals under
achievements, the heroes, the customs, the literature,
convenienced by an early morning or late night arrival.
will be well for you to cooperate with them by finding
exactly the same conditions as any other employee.
Persons or congregations desiring further information
or wishing to explore the possibility of undertaking
sponsorship of refugees should communicate with
their National Denominational Resettlement Office.
CHURCHEN EH WORLD SERVICE
U.S.A.
CHURCH WORLD SERVICE
Immigration and Refugee Program
475 Riverside Drive
New York, N.Y. 10027
PRINTED
Understanding the
REFUGEES
from
VIET NAM
BY DOUGLAS R. BEANE
At this writing, both the total number and composition
or welcoming speeches. These would only add to the
Americans take more or less for granted; e.g., wearing
way of life involving a code of ethics and morals than a
of the Vietnamese refugees to be resettled in the U.S.A.
confusion and perhaps create a false atmosphere accom-
slippers when the floors are cold, not going outdoors on
religion, Confucianism.was introduced into Viet-Nam by
were still somewhat uncertain. The Ford administration
panied by false expectations. A quiet, simple welcome
a cold day without a jacket, not letting a child stand
the Chinese during the first centuries of the Christian era.
has just presented to Congress a fund request covering
by the few people who will assume primary responsibility
around wet after taking a hot bath on a cold day, etc.
The Vietnamese belief in harmony in social relations is
150,000 refugees, but when all the Vietnamese fleeing on
for the family will be meaningful enough for them. It is
rooted in this Confucianism as is the practice of ancestor
after all, their needs, rather than our own, with which we
Sponsors may find that a Vietnamese family will have
ships are finally counted the grand total may be closer to
worship, Confucianism's most important ritual. Many
200,000. Many of these Vietnamese are legitimate rela-
should be concerned. One of the first problems which
difficulty adjusting to the typical American diet. In
Vietnamese followers of other religions also practice
tives of U.S. citizens and can thus count on their assis-
may arise with the Vietnamese family is the matter of
Viet-Nam, as in most of Asia, rice is the staple food.
Confucianism in some form or other.
tance in the resettlement process. Until the initial screen-
communications. It will by very helpful if the sponsors
Other standard foods include fish, pork, tongue, heart,
ing procedures are completed, we cannot be certain about
can determine in advance whether anyone in the family
stomach and a variety of intestines, various soups with
the composition of the remaining Vietnamese who do not
speaks English. If there is no English-speaking family
plenty of noodles, spices, hot peppers, fish sauce, soy
bean sauce, fresh fruits and vegetables. Sweets are usual-
have relatives in the U.S.A. One IBM computer projec-
member, the sponsors should make arrangements to have
tion has already estimated that there may be only 30,000
either an English-speaking Vietnamese or American on
ly made from rice glutine, fruits, seeds, spices or coconut.
heads of household among the approximately 150,000
hand when the family first arrives. This will greatly facil-
Most of these foods are available to one degree or another
refugees accounted for so far.
itate the initial settling-in process for both parties. If the
throughout the U.S., particularly in or near cities which
Douglas R. Beane served with Viet-Nam Christian Service
have Chinese sections. The Vietnamese way of preparing
from 1 June 1967 to 17 April 1975, when he, his Viet-
family does have an English-speaking member, it is very
Because the social, religious and geographical (i.e., north-
possible that he/she will not be fluent or have instant
food is very time-consuming and the smells can be pretty
namese wife and their three children departed from Viet-
ern, central, southern VN) composition cannot yet be
hearing comprehension. If this is the case, the sponsors
hard for Americans to take. We should grin and bear it,
Nam. Mr. Beane's last position with VNCS was as Direc-
ascertained, this paper will of necessity be very general in
though, for if the Vietnamese can occasionally prepare
tor of Personnel and Special Projects. He is presently
will find it useful to speak distinctly and a bit slowly (not
scope. Hopefully, however, it will serve as a basic intro-
the food they like in the way they're used to, the overall
serving as Indochina Consultant to Southern Asia/Church
so slowly, however, as to appear condescending!) and to
duction to the Vietnamese for sponsoring families and
ask occasional discreet questions to determine whether
problems of adjustment will be a lot easier for them.
World Service.
churches throughout the country. Despite the hundreds
previous conversation has been understood. The latter
of millions of words about Viet-Nam which have been
is necessary because many Vietnamese are very reluctant
published during the last 20 years, only a small percen-
to admit that they don't comprehend something. Con-
tage has dealt with the Vietnamese as people. Who the
sequently, they will nod their heads as if everything is
Vietnamese people are and what makes them tick is an
crystal clear, when actually they may understand little
As American churches will be playing an important role
extremely complex subject to which I cannot begin to do
or nothing of what has been said.
in the resettlement of Vietnamese families, it seems ap-
justice here. One can begin to understand the Vietnamese,
propriate to include here a few words about religion in
however, if one tries to comprehend that whereas we
Other aids to better communication will be to speak in a
Viet-Nam. The population of the former Republic of
Americans tend to base our approach to life on reason,
normal tone, avoid excessive boisterousness, and-above-all-
Viet-Nam is between 18-19 million. Of this number, ap-
Refugees
the Vietnamese place their primary emphasis on senti-
avoid losing one's temper, shaking one's finger in a Viet-
proximately 2 million are Catholics, 2 million followers
ment.
namese family member's face, laying unfriendly hands on
of an indigenous religion called Cao Dai and one million
a family member, etc. (remember the harmony in social
followers of an indigenous religion called Hoa Hao. Esti-
Another aspect of the Vietnamese personality is a Confu-
relations!!).
mates of the number of Protestants vary considerably,
cian belief in the value of harmony in social relations, for
CHURCH WORLD SERVICE
but there are probably around 150,000, counting child-
only by achieving harmony in social relations (father-son,
ren. The great majority of these Christians belong to the
husband-wife, employer-employee, etc.) can one achieve
Evangelical Church of Viet-Nam (affiliated with the
USA
tranquility of the soul. If Americans working in Viet-
Christian and Missionary Alliance, headquartered in
Nam had been better able to understand these aspects of
Nyack, N.Y.), with much smaller numbers belonging to
the Vietnamese personality, many of the mutual miscon-
esides the language problem, the Vietnamese family will
AChristian Opportunity
ceptions and misunderstandings between our two peoples
probably have major adjustments to make regarding both
the Mennonite, Southern Baptist, Seventh Day Adventist,
could perhaps have been avoided.
climate and food. Most of the Vietnamese being received
and several other denominations.
in the U.S. will have been used to a monsoon climate
Viet-Nam has often been referred to as a Buddhist coun-
After the confusion and turmoil of their departure from
with rather consistent average temperatures.ot 77°-86°.
try. There is no doubt that in the former RVN, Buddhist
Viet-Nam, hours of mind-numbing sea or air travel, pro-
In some sections of the U.S. (Florida, California, etc.)
influence was widespread, particularly in central Viet-
cessing through various camps, and arrival at their new
adjusting to the climate will not present much of a pro-
Nam. Estimates of the number of fervent Buddhists and
home, a Vietnamese family is very apt to be emotionally
blem. In others (New England, Mid-West, etc.), however,
nominal followers, however, also vary widely. For com-
exhausted, whether the members openly display these
Vietnamese families will have to make a major adjustment
parison's sake, we can perhaps say that among the 18-19
feelings or not. It is very important, therefore, that the
to the climate, particularly during the winter months.
million population there may be between 5-7 regular
Americans who come into contact with the family upon
Sponsors in these regions should make sure that the Viet-
practicing Buddhists and as many nominal followers.
its final arrival realize the trying period the family has
namese know what types of clothing are required for the
just experienced and react sensitively to the situation. I
different seasons. Sponsors should also pass on the many
Another pervasive influence in Viet-Nam, particularly
do not recommend brass bands, large crowds, banners
little tips for getting along during seasonal changes which
among the older generation, is Confucianism. More a
Some recent newspaper reports have indicated that 10%
true when the Vietnamese are talking to someone whom
of the new Vietnamese refugees are Catholics. Sources
they regard as their superior. A smile may mean tolerance
for this information have not been named, however, so
of an error or misunderstanding, submission to an un-
only when the screening process has been completed and
just situation, acceptance of guilt, or embarrassment. It
the results tabulated will we know exactly what the reli-
does not necessarily mean the Vietnamese thinks that
gious breakdown among the refugees is.
someone or something is funny.
Vietnamese usually take an indirect approach in their
conversations or dealings, particularly when they involve
unpleasant matters. Americans often regard this as un-
Living in their own country, the Vietnamese expected
necessary beating around the bush, but the Vietnamese
consider it a tactful, delicate approach toward the
Americans working in Viet-Nam to make an effort to
achievement of the previously mentioned harmony in
learn and abide by Vietnamese customs-and rightly so.
social relations. In the same vein, Vietnamese will say
The Vietnamese-even those with regular American con-
tacts-were not always so tolerant about ignorance of or
yes to things when they really mean no. This, again, is
not deviousness, but a desire not to hurt feelings or cause
failure to abide by these customs. Consequently, mis-
understandings, hard feelings, or loss of friendship be-
unpleasantness. In dealing with Vietnamese, Americans
will achieve better results if they are pleasant, quiet and
tween Americans and Vietnamese often occurred. The
patient, avoiding talking in loud tones and, especially,
Vietnamese are in many ways, however, a very practical
losing their tempers.
people. Accordingly, I think that most of them are
aware that in the U.S.A. they must be the ones to adapt
"Dutch treat" is not a Vietnamese custom. In a restaur-
to American customs rather than to continue expecting
ant situation, one member of the party pays for all. If
Americans to adapt to theirs. The actual adaptation pro-
an American and a Vietnamese happen to be eating in a
cess may be difficult for the Vietnamese and some Amer-
restaurant and the Vietnamese offers to pay, the Ameri-
ican understanding of their customs will help to make the
can should let him do so, even if the Vietnamese is obvi-
transition process somewhat easier. I cannot go into these
ously less able to afford it than the American. For the
customs in great depth, but will try to mention some
American to pay despite the Vietnamese offer would be
things which should help to promote smoother two-way
considered a rejection of the latter's hospitality and a
communication.
reflection upon his ability to pay.
Handshaking has gained wide acceptance among men in
Viet-Nam. It is probably best, though, not to shake
hands with a woman unless she offers her hand first.
Vietnamese names nearly always consist of a family
name, middle name and given name, in that order (this
The foregoing is not intended to be a complete guide to
is the reverse of our custom, where the given name comes
understanding the Vietnamese people. The thoughts
first and the family name last). The terms Mr., Mrs., Miss
expressed here are merely a brief introduction to the
are used with the given name rather than the family name.
Vietnamese, an introduction which hopefully will spur
Again, this is the opposite of our custom. Thus, DUONG
VAN MINH is addressed as Mr. Minh and NGUYEN THI
sponsoring American families to seek additional infor-
mation from their local libraries or other sources. In
BINH as Mrs. Binh. It is best to call to people in a quiet
conclusion, I would like to add one of my own deeply
voice. Waving, beckoning or snapping the fingers to get
held feelings: the Vietnamese are people, just like we
someone's attention is considered very impolite.
Americans are people. Although their thoughts, actions,
Americans feel that looking straight into someone's eyes
customs and physical appearance may differ from ours,
while we are talking to them is a sign of straightforward-
the Vietnamese have feelings and emotions, just as we
ness. Don't expect the Vietnamese to do this and don't
Americans have feelings and emotions. When dealing
misunderstand when they don't. Traditionally, in conver-
with the Vietnamese, therefore, Americans should sensi-
sation, the Vietnamese don't look into the eyes of those
tively treat them as human beings worthy of the same
whom they respect or who are superior in rank to them.
human dignity with which we would expect to be treated
This is an indication of politeness, not deviousness.
if the situation were reversed. The Vietnamese are not
Similarly, the Vietnamese smile does not always mean the
"gooks" and it demeans us more than them to regard
same thing as an American smile. This is particularly
them in such an ignorant way. The Vietnamese, Christian
or non-Christian, are also children of God and we should
treat them as God expects all His children to be treated:
equally without prejudice; lovingly without hate; sin-
cerely without condescension.
FORD LIBRARY & GERALD
Persons or congregations desiring further information
or wishing to explore the possibility of undertaking
sponsorship of refugees should communicate with
their National Denominational Resettlement Office.
CHURCHE CHUR CHE WORLD SERVICE
U.S.A.
CHURCH WORLD SERVICE
Immigration and Refugee Program
475 Riverside Drive
New York, N.Y. 10027
MAY 24 1975
AUTHORIZATION BILL
That this Act may be cited as "The Indochina Migration and
Refugee Assistance Act of 1975".
SEC. 2. (a) Subject to the provisions of subsection
(b) there are hereby authorized to be appropriated, in
addition to amounts otherwise available for such purposes,
$455,000,000 for the performance of functions set forth
LIBRARY GERALD ? FORD
in the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962
(76 Stat. 121), as amended, with respect to aliens who
have fled from Cambodia or Vietnam, such sums to remain
available in accordance with the provisions of subsection
(b) of this section.
(b) None of the funds authorized to be
appropriated by this Act shall be available for the perfor-
mance of functions after June 30, 1976, other than for
carrying out the provisions of clauses (3), (4), (5), and
(6) of section 2 (b) of the Migration and Refugee Assistance
Act of 1962, as amended. None of such funds shall be
available for obligation for any purpose after September
30, 1977.
SEC. 3. In carrying out functions utilizing the funds
made available under this Act, the term "refugee" as
defined in section 2 (b) (3) of the Migration and Refugee
Assistance Act of 1962, as amended, shall be deemed to
include aliens who (A) because of persecution or fear of
persecution on account of race, relition, or political
opinion, fled from Cambodia or Vietnam; (B) cannot return
there because of fear of persecution on account of race,
religion, or political opinion; and (C) are in urgent need
of assistance for the essentials of life.
SEC. 4. (a) The President shall consult with and keep
the Committees on the Judiciary, Appropriations, and
International Relations of the House of Representatives
and the Committees on Foreign Relations, Appropriations and
Judiciary of the Senate fully and currently informed of
the use of funds and the exercise of functions authorized
in this Act.
(b) Not more than thirty days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the President shall transmit to such
Committees a report describing fully and completely the
status of refugees from Cambodia and South Vietnam. Such
report shall set forth, in addition--
(1) a plan for the resettlement of those refugees
remaining in receiving or staging centers;
'(2) the number of refugees who have indicated an interest
in returning to their homeland or being resettled in a
third country, together with (A) a description of the plan
for their return or resettlement and the steps taken
to carry out such return or resettlement, and (B) any
initiatives that have been made with respect to the
Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees of the
United Nations; and
(3) a full and complete description of the steps
the President has taken to retrieve and deposit in
the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts all amounts
previously authorized and appropriated for assistance
to South Vietnam and Cambodia but not expended for
such purpose, exclusive of $98,000,000 of Indochina
Postwar Reconstruction funds allocated to the Department
of State for movement and maintenance of refugees prior
to the date of enactment of this Act.
(c) Supplementary reports setting forth recent
information with respect to each of the items referred
to in this section shall be transmitted not more than
ninety days after the date of transmittal of the report
referred to in subsection (b) of this section and not
later than the end of each ninety-day period thereafter.
Such reports shall continue until September 30, 1977,
and a final report shall be submitted no later than
December 31, 1977.
APPROPRIATION BILL
MAY 1975
An act making appropriations for special assistance to
refugees from Cambodia and Vietnam for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1975, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of
Representatives of the United States of America
in Congress assembled, that the following sums
are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury
not otherwise appropriated, for special assistance
to refugees from Cambodia and Vietnam for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for other
purposes; namely:
TITLE I
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
OTHER
SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES FROM CAMBODIA AND
VIETNAM
For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for,
for the relocation and resettlement of refugees from
Cambodia and Vietnam, $305,000,000 to remain available
until June 30, 1976.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND
WELFARE
SOCIAL AND REHABILITATION SERVICE
SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES FROM CAMBODIA AND
VIETNAM IN THE UNITED STATES
For assistance to refugees from Cambodia and Vietnam
in the United States, to remain avaialble for obligation
through June 30, 1976, $100,000,000.
TITLE II
GENERAL PROVISION
SEC. 201. No funds appropriated in this Act shall
be used, directly or indirectly, to aid the Democratic
Republic of Vietnam (DRV) or the Provisional Revolutionary
Government (PRG), nor shall any funds appropriated under
this Act be channeled through or administered by the
DRV or the PRV, nor shall any funds appropriated under
this Act be channeled through or administered by
international organizations or voluntary agencies to
aid the DRV or the PRG.
Passed the House of Representatives May 14, 1975.
FORD
LIBRAH
GUIDELINES ON INS CLEARANCES
26
The following was provided by INS as clarification of
INS security procedures:
Effective immediately and superceding all
previous instructions regarding security
clearance, the following definitions are
applicable and refugees meeting the definitions
are eligible for parole under the Vicom
Program.
FORD & LIBRARY
"Relatives" are the spouse, child, parent, or
parent of a spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful
permanent resident alien.
"Extended relations" are also within the program,
and include any person regardless of age or sex
who is related to a qualified "relative" and
is traveling with the qualified "relative".
Return of security checks need not be awaited
for "relatives" or for "extended relatives".
Furthermore, return of security checks need
not be awaited for a former United States
government employee where former United States
government employment has been verified by a
United States government agency and the United
States government agency has certified that
security checks were conducted during or
prior to such United States government employment.
Also, return of security checks need not be awaited
for "extended relatives" of such former USG
employees. "Extended relatives", here, are persons
regardless of age or sex who are related to such
former USG employees and who are traveling with
the former USG employee. Form G-325 and the
affadavit form G-646 must be executed for every
refugee 14 years of age.
Refugee who meet the foregoing definitions, however,
may be released immediately provided that they have
the required assurances and the security returns
may be received at a later date.
All other persons must await the return of security
checks unless under age 17. Unusual cases involving
humanitarian factors, may be phoned to central office
INS for guidance, coordinated with Deputy Commissioner
Green.
Summary for Civil Coordinator:
IATF interprets foregoing instruction as
follows: members of following five groups
may leave camp before completion of security
clearance.
A) Spouse, child, parent, or parent of spouse
of AMCIT.
B) Spouse, child , parent, or parent of spouse
of lawful permanent resident alien.
C) Former U.S. or VN U.S. government employees
who have had U.S. security check verified
by employer.
D) People related in any way to member of any of
above categories and who are traveling with
them.
E) People under 17.
Prior to departure of these people from camps, all
other processing, including verified sponsorship,
must be completed.
PROCESSING OF INDOCHINESE REFUGEES
This message establishes guidelines and procedures for
processing Indochinese refugees quickly through the
reception areas in the United States while still insuring
that the refugees are properly resettled and that the
possibility of their becoming a public charge is reduced.
The goal is to make Indochinese refugees self-supporting
members of their communities in the shortest possible
time.
GENERAL:
The guidelines and procedures set forth in this message
should be followed at each processing center. However,
the Senior Civil Coordinator may modify these procedures
to fit his particular needs. He should notify the Inter-
Agency Task Force, Washington, D.C. , of major changes.
Processing should be accomplished expeditiously.
Arriving refugees should begin processing as soon as
practicable. The elements of processing are: (A)
Reception; (B) Immigration and Naturalization Service
In-Processing; (C) Issuance of Social Security Numbers;
(D) Health, Education Welfare, Health and Social
Services Counselling; (E) Sponsorship Verification;
(F) INS Final Processing (Security Check Verification) ;
(G) Final Outprocessing and Travel.
SECURITY CLEARANCES:
Results of security checks are required before release
from refugee camps for all refugees 17 and over except:
(A) relatives of either American citizens or permanent
resident aliens; and (B) former U.S. Government employees
having had valid security clearances. Security checks on
persons in these categories will be performed after they
have arrived at their final destination.
SPONSORSHIP- (SEE ANNEX D ALSO) :
With certain exceptions, refugees require sponsors to
assist in insuring that the refugees do not become
public charges and to help each refugee make the
transition from refugee status to status as a self-sufficient
member of his community.
39
concinued - Processing of Indochinese Refugees
Sponsorship can take the form of an offer of support,
employment or both. However, the sponsor must also be
ready to help the refugee with some of the less tangible
aspects of resettlement such as adjustment to a new
culture, acquainting the refugee with American law and
requirements. Sponsorship is not a formal, legal commit-
ment. However, the sponsor undertakes a clear moral com-
mitment to help the refugee to the best of his ability.
SPONSORSHIP REQUIREMENTS:
A sponsor, in conjunction with an appropriate Volag, will
be expected to:
1. Receive the refugee and his family;
2. Provide shelter and food, until the refugee
becomes self-sufficient. Shelter need not be in the resi-
dence of the sponsor but must be adequate;
3
Provide clothing and pocket money
4. Provide assistance in finding employment and in
school enrollment for children;
5. Cover ordinary medical costs or medical insurance.
Once employment is obtained, the sponsor will assist the
refugee to locate permanent housing, acquire minimal furni-
ture and arrange for utilities.
PROCESSING OF REFUGEES BY CATEGORY:
The following procedures will apply for the processing of
various refugee categories:
1. Refugees without sponsors:
Voluntary agencies will play the major role in re-
settling refugees by matching them with specific sponsors by
obtaining the pledges of individuals, churches or community
groups to resettle the refugees and by matching other offers
of sponsorship that are not specific as to persons or family
(ANNEX A).
40
Continued - Processing of Indochinese Refugees
The Department of State has received a number of
offers for sponsorship, employment, housing and material
assistance. These offers will be made available to the
Volags for verification and follow-up. Similar offers
received at the reception centers should be referred to
Voluntary Agency representatives at the centers.
2. Refugees specifically named by a sponsor:
Offers to sponsor a named individual or family which
can be matched with refugees of the same name at the camps
should be referred to a Volag for verification. Because of
the similarity of Vietnamese names, the Volag should first
verify that the correct refugees have been located. In cases
where a sponsor has named a specific family or the refugee
has named a proposed sponsor, the Volag will make appropriate
inquiries of the sponsor to confirm his willingness to help
the refugee and to verify the plans for resettling the refugee.
The responsibilities the sponsor is assuming will be explained
to the sponsor. As required, the Volag will arrange for a
local check to determine insofar as possible whether the spon-
sor has the means needed for sponsorship.
Prospective sponsors should be requested to send a
statement or telegram to the individual refugee in care of the
American Red Cross at the local camp or to certify to the
Volag representative in the sponsor's locality that he under-
stands the obligations of sponsorship and will make every
effort to provide or assist the named refugees in obtaining
housing, employment and other assistance which will lead to
self-sufficiency. Statement should be signed and contain
address and telephone number of sponsor. We are asking the
Volags to publicize the availability of their direct-name
sponsorship service. (ANNEX B).
If the sponsor is determined to be responsible by
the Volag, INS will authorize the release of the refugee
from camp. Those cases considered doubtful by the Volag will
be rejected and the refugee will be resettled by other
voluntary agency efforts.
3. Refugees with independent means.
Certain refugees may have access to personal re-
sources which will enable them to be self-sustaining. These
refugees may require only brief counselling to direct them
to a resettlement location. A single adult or family with
11
Continued - Processing of Indochinese Refugees
at least one adult with facility in English, vocational
skills and a general idea of a resettlement location can
meet the self-sustaining test if the family has average
resources of $4000 per capita, exclusive of transportation.
A board at each camp comprised of officials of State, INS
and HEW will make the determination of self-sufficiency and
authorize release from camp. Refugees determined to have
adequate personal funds should not be maintained at camps
at USG expense once security checks are completed.
The board will interview the refugee and determine
whether he can adequately meet the above test of self-
sufficiency. If he does, he will be certified for departure
from camp without referral to a Voluntary Agency and without
the requirement for sponsorship.
4. Relatives of American citizens and permanent aliens:
HEW, with the assistance of the Red Cross, will
verify the willingness and ability of the named relative to
"sponsor" and resettle the refugee. Once confirmed, INS
will release those refugees without an additional sponsor-
ship requirement. If HEW decides the sponsor is unable to
care for the refugees, the case will be passed to an accredi-
ted Voluntary Agency for processing. "Relatives" of U.S.
citizens includes spouse, parents, grandparents, children,
grandchildren, unmarried siblings and handicapped dependents.
5. Offers by former employers:
If sponsorship is offered by a former employer,
the offer will be reviewed by the board established under
Section 3, and if the former employer is deemed to be re-
sponsible - a major corporation, charitable group or USG -
the refugee will be released to the employer without Volun-
tary Agency assistance. If the employer cannot offer the
full range of sponsor services, he should be put in touch
with an approved resettelement Voluntary Agency.
If an employer proposes to send the refugee outside
the United States to work, the refugee should consult with
INS to ensure that appropriate travel and re-entry documents
are issued.
FORD
42
Continued - Processing of Indochinese Refugees
6. Travel:
The refugee may travel at his own expense, the ex-
pense of his sponsor, or government expense. Government-
paid travel should not be relied upon and at a minimum,
partial payment by the sponsor or refugee should be attempted.
However, government-paid travel is preferred over jeopardizing
sponsorship or depriving the refugee of essential funds re-
quired for resettlement. In order to determine eligibility
for government travel expenses, the assets of the refugee or
sponsor should be verified by HEW before travel is authorized
at government expense. Documentation of the lack of ability
of the refugee or sponsor to finance travel is required. At-
tached at ANNEX C is a sample form which may be used by the
refugee or sponsor to authenticate the requirement for travel
at government expense.
CLEARANCES:
This message has been cleared with the appropriate government
agencies and has been discussed with the Voluntary Agencies.
43
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
AND THEIR ANSWERS
Q.
How long will the reception centers be in operation?
A.
Those in the Western Pacific will close out as
the last refugees leave for the United States,
third countries or, at their own request, return
to Indochina.
The four reception centers in the continental
U.S. are planned as flow-through facilities
through which the refugees may be properly
security-checked and processed before joining their
sponsors. The time involved is currently taking
longer than it should, a problem the Task Force
is working hard to resolve. If we are successful,
the reception centers' life span may range from
90 days to perhaps six months.
Eglin Air Force Base in Florida will have the
shortest use; it will be phased out just as soon
as the speed-up 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 feasible 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 ex-
cludable 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.
-2-
The Immigration & 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.
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 responsible 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 USG)
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 provide
the same sum per resettled refugee as is given to
the VOLAGS, i.e., $500.
-3-
Q.
What about those who want to go home?
A.
The United States believes in freedom of movement;
those Vietnamese 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 re-
patriates 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.
the UNHCR, or its assigned representative, will
interview each one to insure that the decision has
been made voluntarily, will forward the papers to
its Geneva headquarters, conduct the negotiations
for the returnees with the authorities in Vietnam
and Cambodia, and arrange for their flights through
the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
and/or the Inter-Governmental Committee for European
Migration (ICEM), each 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 interna-
tionalize 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 26 May, close to 2,000
refugees have gone to other countries, Canada, the
Philippines, Okinawa and Guam taking the largest
numbers.
Q.
What is the legal status of a refugee in the U.S.?
A.
The refugees from Indochina are entering as "parolees",
under Section (d) (5) of the Immigration and
Naturalization Act. INS is issuing each one an
I-94 which identifies the holder as a legal alien with
authority to work. In two years, the refugee may
seek to change their status to permanent resident
or to immigrant and to begin the procedure leading
to citizenship.
-4-
The Vietnamese and Cambodians who were already in
this country when their governments fell, and who
wish to remain, may change the status under which
they entered (such as students or visitors) to
the above. In any case, they will not be forcibly
returned to their homelands.
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 be provided through established
State and local welfare and health agencies and
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 no
later than the first week 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
it 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,
by the first week 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, signed into law by the President on
May 24. It provides 405 million dollars which will
be spent as follows: $155 million for daily maintenance
FORD
GERALD
- -5-
at the restaging and reception centers; $65 million
for the Airlift; $70 million for resettlement
costs (furnished to Volags) ; $100 million for sub-
sequent welfare and medical services; $15 million
for the movement of refugees to third countries.
And additional $98 million, made available for
previous Foreign Assistance Act funds, has paid
for the evacuation sea and airlift and for the
opening up of the restaging and reception sites.
FORD
BERALD
:
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
*
IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
TO
:
Dr. Paul McCleary
DATE: May 21, 1975
FROM :
John W. Schauer
SUBJECT:
Indo-China Evacuees (Refugees)
On April 22, CWS and representatives from the resettlement agencies
met with Ambassador Francis Kellogg, Special Assistant to the
Secretary of State from Refugee and Migration Affairs to discuss
the resettlement of Cambodian Evacuees (Refugees) in Thailand
and Vietnamese Evacuees (Refugees) in U.S. Territories (Guam,
Wake, Clark Air Force Base).
CWS at this meeting and subsequent meetings insisted that any
program for the resettlement of Evacuees must include all
evacuees, if not, CWS would not participate in the program.
Subsequent U.S. government definitions have included all
evacuees (refugees) from Indo-China.
At a special meeting of IRPCOM on April 24, the following
actions were taken:
1. Cambodian Evacuees (Refugees) :
"In view of the urgent request from the United States
Government directed to the U.S. voluntary agencies to
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
assist in the immediate resettlement of approximately
1500 Cambodian evacuees (refugees) now in Thailand, and
Whereas Church World Service expressed its unwillingness
to take action in this matter as long as only former
U.S. Government employees and dependents were involved, and
Since the proposed program has been expanded to include
Cambodian evacuees (refugees) of all categories without
limitation on prior status or employment, and
In keeping with the Christian imperative upon the
Immigration and Refugee Program Operating Committee of
Church World Service to assist refugees in need
regardless of faith, race or political persuasion,
The Immigration and REfugee Program Operating Committee
of Church World Service resolves to assist in the
orderly and responsible resettlement of at least 250
Cambodian evacuees (refugees) now in Thailand."
2. Vietnamese Evacuees (Refugees) :
"In view of the continuing concern of Church World Service
-2-
for the displaced and refugees on all sides of the battle
lines in Indo-China, as expressed particularly in its
support of the World Council of Churches Fund for
Reconstruction and Reconciliation in In@o-China, and
considering the present needs of the evacuees (refugees)
from Vietnam and in keeping with the Christian imperative
upon the Immigration and Refugee Program Operating Committee
of Church World Service to assist refugees regardless of
faith, race, or political persuasion,
The Immigration and Refugee Program Operating Committe of
Church World Service resolves to assist in the orderly and
responsible resettlement of Vietnamese evacuees (refugees)
commensurate with the capability of Church World Service and
its member Communions."
"Pursuant to the resolution concerning the Vietnamese
evacuees (refugees), the Immigration and Refugee Program
Operating Committee authorized the Immigration and Refugee
Program Director to begin arrangements to resettle 500 -
2,000 units (10,000 persons) "
As the director of the Immigration and Refugee Program I was
invited to appear before the Senate Judiciary Subcommitteeon
Refugees and Escapees on Friday, April 25, and to testify about
the program developments and relationships of the Voluntary
Agencies with the U.S. Government Interagency Task Force for
Indo-China Refugees. As a result of these hearings, and at the
insistence of the Chairman, Senator Edward Kennedy, the first
meeting with the Voluntary Agencies was held on April 26.
Subsequent meetings have been held on May 2 and again on May 8.
Staff has been in contact with the Task Force and the Civilian
Coordinators of the Reception/Processing Centers at Camp
Pendleton, Fort Chafee, and Eglin Air Force Base.
CWS has called upon the Churches to provide sponsorships for
the Cambodian Evacuees (Refugees) and Vietnamese Evacuees
(Refugees) and at this time have received approximately 200
church sponsorships. CWS Resettlement offices were staffed and
operational on April 30, at Camp Pendleton, at Fort Chafee on
May 5, and at Eglin Air Force Base on May 12.
CWS has been informally advised that a fourth camp is to be opened
(possibly Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania) and steps are underway
to staff a CWS Resettlement office as soon as possible.
On May 19, President Ford by Executive Order appointed an Advisory
Committee for Indo-China Refugees. Dr. Sterling Carey, President
of NCC is a member. Dr. Eugene Stockwell represented him at
the White House and on a field trip to Fort Chafee on May 20.
Among those present at the White House Meeting with the President
and the briefing by Ambassador L. Dean Brown, Director, Interagency
-3-
Task Force for Indo-China Refugees, were Dr. Paul McCleary,
Dr. James Thomas, and John Schauer.
The Director will attend a meeting at the White House Executive
Office with Dr. Marrs (Director, President's Advisory Committee
on Indo-China Refugees).
JWS:gg
Attachments
CC: CWS Dept.
IRPCOM
Field Offices
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS --
AND THEIR ANSWERS
Q.
How long will the reception centers be in operation?
A.
Those in the Western Pacific will close out as
the last refugees leave for the United States,
third countries or, at their own request, return
to Indochina.
The four reception centers in the continental
U.S. are planned as flow-through facilities
through which the refugees may be properly
security-checked and processed before joining their
sponsors. The time involved is currently taking
longer than it should, a problem the Task Force
is working hard to resolve. If we are successful,
the reception centers' life span may range from
90 days to perhaps six months.
Eglin Air Force Base in Florida will have the
shortest use; it will be phased out just as soon
as the speed-up 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 feasible 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 ex-
cludable 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.
GEREAD FORD
-2-
The Immigration & 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.
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 responsible 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 USG)
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 provide
the same sum per resettled refugee as is given to
the VOLAGS, i.e., $500.
-3-
Q.
What about those who want to go home?
A.
The United States believes in freedom of movement;
those Vietnamese 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 re-
patriates 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.
the UNHCR, or its assigned representative, will
interview each one to insure that the decision has
been made voluntarily, will forward the papers to
its Geneva headquarters, conduct the negotiations
for the returnees with the authorities in Vietnam
and Cambodia, and arrange for their flights through
the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
and/or the Inter-Governmental Committee for European
Migration (ICEM), each 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 interna-
tionalize 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 26 May, close to 2,000
refugees have gone to other countries, Canada, the
Philippines, Okinawa and Guam taking the largest
numbers.
Q.
What is the legal status of a refugee in the U.S.?
A.
The refugees from Indochina are entering as "parolees",
under Section (d) (5) of the Immigration and
Naturalization Act. INS is issuing each one an
I-94 which identifies the holder as a legal alien with
authority to work. In two years, the refugee may
seek to change their status to permanent resident
or to immigrant and to begin the procedure leading
to citizenship.
-4-
The Vietnamese and Cambodians who were already in
this country when their governments fell, and who
wish to remain, may change the status under which
they entered (such as students or visitors) to
the above. In any case, they will not be forcibly
returned to their homelands.
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 be provided through established
State and local welfare and health agencies and
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 no
later than the first week 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
it 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,
by the first week 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, signed into law by the President on
May 24. It provides 405 million dollars which will
be spent as follows: $155 million for daily maintenance
-5- - -
at the restaging and reception centers; $65 million
for the Airlift; $70 million for resettlement
costs (furnished to Volags) ; $100 million for sub-
sequent welfare and medical services; $15 million
for the movement of refugees to third countries.
And additional $98 million, made available for
previous Foreign Assistance Act funds, has paid
for the evacuation sea and airlift and for the
opening up of the restaging and reception sites.
SINAL FORD
GUIDELINES ON INS CLEARANCES
to
The following was provided by INS as clarification of
INS security procedures:
Effective immediately and superceding all
previous instructions regarding security
clearance, the following definitions are
applicable and refugees meeting the definitions
are eligible for parole under the Vicom
Program.
"Relatives" are the spouse, child, parent, or
parent of a spouse of a U.S. citizen or lawful
permanent resident alien.
"Extended relations" are also within the program,
and include any person regardless of age or sex
who is related to a qualified "relative" and
is traveling with the qualified "relative".
Return of security checks need not be awaited
for "relatives" or for "extended relatives".
Furthermore, return of security checks need
not be awaited for a former United States
government employee where former United States
government employment has been verified by a
United States government agency and the United
States government agency has certified that
security checks were conducted during or
prior to such United States government employment.
Also, return of security checks need not be awaited
for "extended relatives" of such former USG
employees. "Extended relatives", here, are persons
regardless of age or sex who are related to such
former USG employees and who are traveling with
the former USG employee. Form G-325 and the
affadavit form G-646 must be executed for every
refugee 14 years of age.
Refugee who meet the foregoing definitions, however,
may be released immediately provided that they have
the required assurances and the security returns
may be received at a later date.
All other persons must await the return of security
checks unless under age 17. Unusual cases involving
humanitarian factors, may be phoned to central office
INS for guidance, coordinated with Deputy Commissioner
Green.
Summary for Civil Coordinator:
IATF interprets foregoing instruction as
follows: members of following five groups
may leave camp before completion of security
clearance.
A) Spouse, child, parent, or parent of spouse
of AMCIT.
B) Spouse, child , parent, or parent of spouse
of lawful permanent resident alien.
C) Former U.S. or VN U.S. government employees
who have had U.S. security check verified
by employer.
D) People related in any way to member of any of
above categories and who are traveling with
them.
E) People under 17.
Prior to departure of these people from camps, all
other processing, including verified sponsorship,
must be completed.
PROCESSING OF INDOCHINESE REFUGEES
This message establishes guidelines and procedures for
processing Indochinese refugees quickly through the
reception areas in the United States while still insuring
that the refugees are properly resettled and that the
possibility of their becoming a public charge is reduced.
The goal is to make Indochinese refugees self-supporting
members of their communities in the shortest possible
time.
GENERAL:
The guidelines and procedures set forth in this message
should be followed at each processing center. However,
the Senior Civil Coordinator may modify these procedures
to fit his particular needs. He should notify the Inter-
Agency Task Force, Washington, D.C. 8 of major changes.
Processing should be accomplished expeditiously.
Arriving refugees should begin processing as soon as
practicable. The elements of processing are: (A)
Reception; (B) Immigration and Naturalization Service
In-Processing; (C) Issuance of Social Security Numbers;
(D) Health, Education Welfare, Health and Social
Services Counselling; (E) Sponsorship Verification;
(F) INS Final Processing (Security Check Verification) ;
(G) Final Outprocessing and Travel.
SECURITY CLEARANCES:
Results of security checks are required before release
from refugee camps for all refugees 17 and over except:
(A) relatives of either American citizens or permanent
resident aliens; and (B) former U.S. Government employees
having had valid security clearances. Security checks on
persons in these categories will be performed after they
have arrived at their final destination.
SPONSORSHIP- (SEE ANNEX D ALSO) :
With certain exceptions, refugees require sponsors to
assist in insuring that the refugees do not become
public charges and to help each refugee make the
transition from refugee status to status as a self-sufficient
member of his community.
FORD
39
Continued - Processing of Indochinese Refugees
Sponsorship can take the form of an offer of support,
employment or both. However, the sponsor must also be
ready to help the refugee with some of the less tangible
aspects of resettlement such as adjustment to a new
culture, acquainting the refugee with American law and
requirements. Sponsorship is not a formal, legal commit-
ment. However, the sponsor undertakes a clear moral com-
mitment to help the refugee to the best of his ability.
SPONSORSHIP REQUIREMENTS:
A sponsor, in conjunction with an appropriate Volag, will
be expected to:
1. Receive the refugee and his family;
2. Provide shelter and food, until the refugee
becomes self-sufficient. Shelter need not be in the resi-
dence of the sponsor but must be adequate;
3
Provide clothing and pocket money;
4. Provide assistance in finding employment and in
school enrollment for children;
5. Cover ordinary medical costs or medical insurance.
Once employment is obtained, the sponsor will assist the
refugee to locate permanent housing, acquire minimal furni-
ture and arrange for utilities.
PROCESSING OF REFUGEES BY CATEGORY:
The following procedures will apply for the processing of
various refugee categories:
1. Refugees without sponsors:
Voluntary agencies will play the major role in re-
settling refugees by matching them with specific sponsors by
obtaining the pledges of individuals, churches or community
groups to resettle the refugees and by matching other offers
of sponsorship that are not specific as to persons or family.
(ANNEX A).
40
Continued - Processing of Indochinese Refugees
The Department of State has received a number of
offers for sponsorship, employment, housing and material
assistance. These offers will be made available to the
Volags for verification and follow-up. Similar offers
received at the reception centers should be referred to
Voluntary Agency representatives at the centers.
2. Refugees specifically named by a sponsor:
Offers to sponsor a named individual or family which
can be matched with refugees of the same name at the camps
should be referred to a Volag for verification. Because of
the similarity of Vietnamese names, the Volag should first
verify that the correct refugees have been located. In cases
where a sponsor has named a specific family or the refugee
has named a proposed sponsor, the Volag will make appropriate
inquiries of the sponsor to confirm his willingness to help
the refugee and to verify the plans for resettling the refugee.
The responsibilities the sponsor is assuming will be explained
to the sponsor. As required, the Volag will arrange for a
local check to determine insofar as possible whether the spon-
sor has the means needed for sponsorship.
Prospective sponsors should be requested to send a
statement or telegram to the individual refugee in care of the
American Red Cross at the local camp or to certify to the
Volag representative in the sponsor's locality that he under-
stands the obligations of sponsorship and will make every
effort to provide or assist the named refugees in obtaining
housing, employment and other assistance which will lead to
self-sufficiency. Statement should be signed and contain
address and telephone number of sponsor. We are asking the
Volags to publicize the availability of their direct-name
sponsorship service. (ANNEX B).
If the sponsor is determined to be responsible by
the Volag, INS will authorize the release of the refugee
from camp. Those cases considered doubtful by the Volag will
be rejected and the refugee will be resettled by other
voluntary agency efforts.
3. Refugees with independent means.
Certain refugees may have access to personal re-
sources which will enable them to be self-sustaining. These
refugees may require only brief counselling to direct them
to a resettlement location. A single adult or family with
41
Continued - Processing of Indochinese Refugees
at least one adult with facility in English, vocational
skills and a general idea of a resettlement location can
meet the self-sustaining test if the family has average
resources of $4000 per capita, exclusive of transportation.
A board at each camp comprised of officials of State, INS
and HEW will make the determination of self-sufficiency and
authorize release from camp. Refugees determined to have
adequate personal funds should not be maintained at camps
at USG expense once security checks are completed.
The board will interview the refugee and determine
whether he can adequately meet the above test of self-
sufficiency. If he does, he will be certified for departure
from camp without referral to a Voluntary Agency and without
the requirement for sponsorship.
4. Relatives of American citizens and permanent aliens:
HEW, with the assistance of the Red Cross, will
verify the willingness and ability of the named relative to
"sponsor" and resettle the refugee. Once confirmed, INS
will release those refugees without an additional sponsor-
ship requirement. If HEW decides the sponsor is unable to
care for the refugees, the case will be passed to an accredi-
ted Voluntary Agency for processing. "Relatives" of U.S.
citizens includes spouse, parents, grandparents, children,
grandchildren, unmarried siblings and handicapped dependents.
5. Offers by former employers:
If sponsorship is offered by a former employer,
the offer will be reviewed by the board established under
Section 3, and if the former employer is deemed to be re-
sponsible - a major corporation, charitable group or USG -
the refugee will be released to the employer without Volun-
tary Agency assistance. If the employer cannot offer the
full range of sponsor services, he should be put in touch
with an approved resettelement Voluntary Agency.
If an employer proposes to send the refugee outside
the United States to work, the refugee should consult with
INS to ensure that appropriate travel and re-entry documents
are issued.
42
Continued - Processing of Indochinese Refugees
6. Travel:
The refugee may travel at his own expense, the ex-
pense of his sponsor, or government expense. Government-
paid travel should not be relied upon and at a minimum,
partial payment by the sponsor or refugee should be attempted.
However, government-paid travel is preferred over jeopardizing
sponsorship or depriving the refugee of essential funds re-
quired for resettlement. In order to determine eligibility
for government travel expenses, the assets of the refugee or
sponsor should be verified by HEW before travel is authorized
at government expense. Documentation of the lack of ability
of the refugee or sponsor to finance travel is required. At-
tached at ANNEX C is a sample form which may be used by the
refugee or sponsor to authenticate the requirement for travel
at government expense.
CLEARANCES:
This message has been cleared with the appropriate government
agencies and has been discussed with the Voluntary Agencies.
43
MAY 1975
AUTHORIZATION BILL
That this Act may be cited as "The Indochina Migration and
Refugee Assistance Act of 1975".
SEC. 2. (a) Subject to the provisions of subsection
(b) there are hereby authorized to be appropriated, in
addition to amounts otherwise available for such purposes,
$455,000,000 for the performance of functions set forth
in the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962
(76 Stat. 121), as amended, with respect to aliens who
have fled from Cambodia or Vietnam, such sums to remain
available in accordance with the provisions of subsection
(b) of this section.
(b) None of the funds authorized to be
appropriated by this Act shall be available for the perfor-
mance of functions after June 30, 1976, other than for
carrying out the provisions of clauses (3), (4), (5), and
(6) of section 2 (b) of the Migration and Refugee Assistance
Act of 1962, as amended. None of such funds shall be
available for obligation for any purpose after September
30, 1977.
SEC. 3. In carrying out functions utilizing the funds
made available under this Act, the term "refugee" as
defined in section 2 (b) (3) of the Migration and Refugee
Assistance Act of 1962, as amended, shall be deemed to
include aliens who (A) because of persecution or fear of
persecution on account of race, relition, or political
opinion, fled from Cambodia or Vietnam; (B) cannot return
there because of fear of persecution on account of race,
religion, or political opinion; and (C) are in urgent need
of assistance for the essentials of life.
SEC. 4. (a) The President shall consult with and keep
the Committees on the Judiciary, Appropriations, and
International Relations of the House of Representatives
and the Committees on Foreign Relations, Appropriations and
Judiciary of the Senate fully and currently informed of
the use of funds and the exercise of functions authorized
in this Act.
(b) Not more than thirty days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the President shall transmit to such
Committees a report describing fully and completely the
status of refugees from Cambodia and South Vietnam. Such
report shall set forth, in addition--
(1) a plan for the resettlement of those refugees
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
remaining in receiving or staging centers;
'(2) the number of refugees who have indicated an interest
in returning to their homeland or being resettled in a
third country, together with (A) a description of the plan
for their return or resettlement and the steps taken
to carry out such return or resettlement, and (B) any
initiatives that have been made with respect to the
Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees of the
United Nations; and
(3) a full and complete description of the steps
the President has taken to retrieve and deposit in
the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts all amounts
previously authorized and appropriated for assistance
to South Vietnam and Cambodia but not expended for
such purpose, exclusive of $98,000,000 of Indochina
Postwar Reconstruction funds allocated to the Department
of State for movement and maintenance of refugees prior
to the date of enactment of this Act.
(c) Supplementary reports setting forth recent
information with respect to each of the items referred
to in this section shall be transmitted not more than
ninety days after the date of transmittal of the report
referred to in subsection (b) of this section and not
later than the end of each ninety-day period thereafter.
Such reports shall continue until September 30, 1977,
and a final report shall be submitted no later than
December 31, 1977.
An act making appropriations for special assistance to
refugees from Cambodia and Vietnam for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1975, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of
Representatives of the United States of America
in Congress assembled, that the following sums
are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury
not otherwise appropriated, for special assistance
to refugees from Cambodia and Vietnam for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and for other
purposes; namely:
TITLE I
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
OTHER
SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES FROM CAMBODIA AND
VIETNAM
For necessary expenses, not otherwise provided for,
for the relocation and resettlement of refugees from
Cambodia and Vietnam, $305,000,000 to remain available
until June 30, 1976.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND
WELFARE
SOCIAL AND REHABILITATION SERVICE
SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES FROM CAMBODIA AND
VIETNAM IN THE UNITED STATES
For assistance to refugees from Cambodia and Vietnam
in the United States, to remain avaialble for obligation
through June 30, 1976, $100,000,000.
TITLE II
GENERAL PROVISION
SEC. 201. No funds appropriated in this Act shall
be used, directly or indirectly, to aid the Democratic
Republic of Vietnam (DRV) or the Provisional Revolutionary
Government (PRG), nor shall any funds appropriated under
this Act be channeled through or administered by the
DRV or the PRV, nor shall any funds appropriated under
this Act be channeled through or administered by
international organizations or voluntary agencies to
aid the DRV or the PRG.
Passed the House of Representatives May 14, 1975.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 2, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
JSDE
FROM:
JOHN S. D. EISENHOWER
SUBJECT:
Presidential Advisory Committee on
Refugees Visit to Ft. Chaffee,
Arkansas, May 20, 1975.
The Advisory Committee visited Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas, to
observe first hand the accommodations and the processing
systems established at that relocation center, which
is currently handling approximately 24,000 Vietnamese
refugees.
The Committee was accompanied by Ambassador L. Dean Brown
and other representatives of the Interagency Task Force.
All were impressed by the close cooperation between the
local Interagency Task Force officials and the supporting
Army contingent. In addition, the voluntary assistance
of the surrounding Arkansas community was very much in
evidence, due largely, in our opinion, to strenuous public
relations efforts on the part of the civilian coordinator,
Mr. Donald MacDonald.
This refugee resettlement center has defined its tasks as
three-fold: (a) to receive and process the Vietnamese
refugees, (b) to run a small city, population 24,000,
and (c) to facilitate the careful placement of refugees
throughout the United States.
Since the beginning of May, 25,814 people have arrived,
mostly from South Vietnam. All have undergone initial
processing, and 18,500 have completed processing to the
point where they can leave as soon as sponsors are found.
Approximately 2,500 have come and gone. Commitments for
over 6,000 additional placements have been made.
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The Advisory Committee observed refugees going through
the various administrative stages which include preliminary
processing, medical evaluation, immigration and naturali-
zation screening, social security registration, social
rehabilitation services, security clearance from INS, and
the departure services provided by HEW. We were advised
that these administrative activities are proceeding in
an efficient, well-organized manner. The security clearance
delays experienced at first are now being diminished as
the computerized refugee records become more available.
Through the cooperation of the Task Force and Army personnel
the administration of this "city" encompasses all the
usual aspects of community management. The refugees
participate actively. To maintain local government, each
of the 236 barracks have elected a representative to a
council, which has in turn elected a Vietnamese "mayor."
The mayor meets with the council each evening, and a sub-
committee structure has been formed to work closely with
the voluntary agencies.
The Education Committee has been allocated sixteen buildings
for schools. Presently over 200 classes are being conducted
each day, enrolling 7,000 children. This school system
is being run by the Southern Baptist Conference and includes
Vietnamese and American teachers. It ranks as the sixth
largest school system in the State of Arkansas.
The morale and participation of refugee volunteers is
exceptional, some of whom are Vietnamese-Americans, United
States residents for as long as sixteen years.
A newspaper in the Vietnamese language is circulated daily,
and a local civilian radio station is providing a fifteen
minute daily broadcast in Vietnamese. Subject matter
encompasses news of the world, stressing those items of
particular importance to the people in the center.
No major crime problem has occurred; even small misdemeanors
requiring action have been rare.
Although the reception of refugees and the administration
of the "city" are proceeding in admirable fashion, the
ultimate task, that of placement, is only beginning. This
3
function is a primary responsibility of ten major American
voluntary agencies (VOLAGs), which historically have
facilitated resettlement of millions of displaced persons.
(See attached list.) These voluntary agencies are under
preliminary contract with the Federal Government.
The voluntary agencies are in operation. They stress
that the primary criteria for placement in an American
community are the impact on that community, the quality
of the individual sponsors, and the availability of jobs.
The Employment Service of the Department of Labor will
provide ten specialists to work with the VOLAGs in an
effort to avoid placement of individuals in communities
with extraordinarily high unemployment rates. Further,
they will endeavor to correlate the skills of the refugees
with the local situation. Careful screening of sponsors,
through the network of community volunteer agencies, is
a critical activity.
The Advisory Committee asked the local officials how we
could best assist in this effort. The consensus was that
we could (a) help to educate the civic clubs throughout the
United States regarding the requirements for sponsorship
and (b) identify the local participating voluntary agencies
for channeling the legitimate requests for sponsorship.
It was also suggested that the Advisory Committee become
well acquainted with the roles and problems of the volunteer
agencies. (A useful meeting of the VOLAG representatives
with Committee and White House Staff has already been held
and future meetings scheduled.)
Although resettlement is primarily a local function, the
Committee must make every possible effort to help shorten
the time of encampment for the refugees. No delay in their
assimilation into the American community can be tolerated.
Those refugees who wish to return to Vietnam are beginning
to come forward, and all have been assured that return is
indeed possible in accord with existing international
procedures. The one hundred refugees who are interested
in returning to Vietnam from Fort Chaffee are predominantly
men wishing to rejoin their families.
&
FORD
072899
4
After reviewing this refugee resettlement center we believe
that the proper mechanisms have been set in motion and
there is accumulating evidence that progress is taking
place. Within a remarkably short time the personal welfare
of the refugees is being well attended to. Their natural
anxieties are being abated as they learn that we do indeed
have a place for them in our society and that all concerned
are working in their best long term interest. Their
confidence is being enhanced by their own participation in
the administrative and governing processes.
Under your leadership the efforts of this Committee, of the
Interagency Task Force, and of the voluntary agencies will
hopefully dispel public misconceptions and apprehensions
regarding acceptance of refugees in our society. We will
also be addressing some of the longer term problems with
a view to determining preventive measures.