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Indochina Refugees - HEW Task Force: Fifth Report to Congress
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1505188
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Indochina Refugees - HEW Task Force: Fifth Report to Congress
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Theodore C. Marrs Files (Ford Administration)
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The original documents are located in Box 10, folder "Indochina Refugees - HEW Task
Force: Fifth Report to Congress" of the Theodore C. Marrs Files at the Gerald R. Ford
Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 10 of the Theodore C. Marrs Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
MEMORANDUM
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
TO
:
Vincent Puritano
DATE: June 9, 1976
Deputy Associate Director for
Intergovernmental Relations
and Regional Operations
FROM : Acting Director
HEW Refugee Task Force
SUBJECT: Draft of the June 15, 1976 Report to Congress
Attached is a copy of the final draft of the Fifth Report
to the Congress on the Indochinese Refugee Program.
hammle Lawrence L. McDonough Dring
Attachment
CC: Marjorie Lynch
William Morrill
GERALD
R.
Don Wortman
Steve Kurzman
Terrel H. Bell
FORD
John D. Young
LIBRARY
Robert van Hoek
Edward McVeigh
John Ottina
James Carlin
Walker Smith
Abner Silverman
James Klein
Solomon Isenstein
HEW TASK FORCE FOR INDOCHINA REFUGEES
REPORT TO THE CONGRESS
JUNE 15, 1976
Report to the Congress
Page
Annexes
A. Historical
LISAARY GERALD R. FORD
Chronology of Events
Organizational Chart
B. Refugee Profile
--
Demographic Data
--
Refugees Resettled by State (INS Data)
--
Distribution by State and Age
Refugees Resettled by State (Projected from INS Data)
One-Member Family Unit by State and Sex
Refugees Processed Through System
Refugee Households by Sex and Head of Household
--
Refugee Households by State, Sex, and Head of Household
C. Resettlement
HEW Programs
--
Task Force
--
Strategy and Objectives Memorandum
Social and Rehabilitation Service
Office of Education
Public Health Service
Social Security Administration
--
State Department
Voluntary Agencies
State and Local Resettlement Agencies
D. Other Federal Programs
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Department of Labor
--
Department of Agriculture
--
Small Business Administration
--
Legal Services Corporation
E. Budgetary Data
--
All Obligations Authorized by PL 94-23
HEW Obligations
F. Retrievals
Retrievals
HEW TASK FORCE FOR INDOCHINA REFUGEES
REPORT TO THE CONGRESS
JUNE 15, 1976
This is the Fifth Report to the Congress on the Indochina
Refugee Assistance Program that began following the evacuation
of South Vietnam in April 1975.
The Interagency Task Force (IATF) was disbanded when the
last resettlement center was closed in December 1975. Since
then, coordination of domestic activities in support of refugee
resettlement has been the responsibility of a Refugee Task
Force in the Office of the Secretary of Health, Education, and
Welfare and in HEW Regional Offices. International aspects
of the program continue to be handled by the Office of Refugee
and Migration Affairs in the Department of State.
Congress has authorized domestic resettlement activities
for Indo-Chinese refugees through September 1977, and the
President's budget for Fiscal Year 1977 includes a request
for $50 million and authorization to make presently appropri-
ated funds available through September 1977.
Since the closing of the last refugee reception center in
December 1975, primary emphasis has shifted from finding spon-
sors and arranging placement to helping refugees participate
more fully in the privileges and responsibilities of life in
the United States.
The HEW Refugee Task Force, which has just completed its
fifth month of operation, is staffed by Federal employees on
reimbursable detail and by temporary employees, several of
whom are multi-lingual. It intends to shift most of its
activities, over the next few months, to appropriate units
within HEW, principally the Social and Rehabilitation Service
(SRS), to assure continued support and attention to the long-
term resettlement program.
A Strategies and Objectives Plan, signed March 15 by the
Director of the HEW Refugee Task Force and national representa-
tives of Voluntary Resettlement Agencies outlines a strategy
to focus on job development activities, English language
training, and vocational and occupational education, to enhance
speaking abilities and to train more refugees in marketable
job skills. It is hoped that the channeling of all available
resources into these activities will result in a significant
reduction in the number of refugees on cash assistance.
The rationale for this approach stems from a survey in
which 34 per cent of those not in the labor force indicated
they were in school, and 19 per cent said they were not
seeking jobs because they could not speak English. It was
considered significant, that so many potential labor force
members were trying to improve their job marketability and
that others felt that language limitations were the main
impediments to self-sufficiency.
A project to advance this strategy has been undertaken
in California, utilizing a $2 million grant to the State
Department of Health, Social Services Division. The project
has received the full support of the HEW Task Force, Regional
Office personnel, representatives of the Voluntary Resettlement
Agencies (VOLAGs) and local officials and agencies in Los
Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Orange Counties where
the largest concentrations of refugees exist. The project
will provide training in English as a second language, and
vocational training for employable refugees who are now on
cash assistance or in imminent danger of becoming recipients.
It is expected that approximately 3,000 potentially employ-
able adults will participate in this program.
Plans for similiar projects in all states were discussed
on May 20-22 by members of the Task Force, Social and
Rehabilitation Service, and the Office of Education. The
participants also discussed placing special emphasis on the
role of Indo-Chinese self-help groups in this strategy.
Guidelines for the provision of additional funding are
being developed. It is expected that each HEW Regional office,
State, County and local officials and representatives, local
resettlement agencies and Indo-Chinese self-help organizations
will participate in planning and implementation.
Projects will emphasize direct job placement wherever
possible, with English and/or vocational training where needed
to help assure stable, continuing employment. Vocational
training will emphasize short-term courses based on a refugee's
existing skills, to enable the transfer of such skills to the
job market. (It is anticipated that additional funds will be
made available to California under this program to provide
services to Indo-Chinese in counties other than the four high-
impact counties in California previously mentioned.)
A statement on cash assistance also was printed in
NEW LIFE, the Task Force's refugee newsletter, and circulated
widely in refugee communities. It explained that self-
sufficiency is to be preferred to assistance, and the able-
bodied people who remain on welfare too long can hamper their
future ability to gain long term permanent employment.
Statistics of the IATF show that 129,792 refugees were
processed through the resettlement camps. Data supplied more
recently by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
reflects the state of residence of the 114,140 refugees who
had filed alien address reports with that agency through
February of this year. Projecting the INS data to reflect
the entire refugee population of 129,792, and comparing this
projection with IATF's initial data on state of settlement,
it does not appear that any significant net change in the
distribution of refugees by state has occurred. Texas may
have gained some refugees, perhaps from Arkansas, Oklahoma,
or even Florida. The District of Columbia has lost refugees,
but these may actually be people who settled in the Maryland
or Virginia suburbs, since totals for those two states have
gone up. California's gain of approximately 1,000 people
would not seem disproportionate, and no state's total has
changed dramatically.
There are 13,502 single males and 3,317 single females
in the refugee population. The largest concentrations exist
in California with 2,119 men and 629 women, in Pennsylvania
with 954 men and 158 women, and in Texas, with 869 men and
175 women.
The number of families with five or more members, in
which the head of the household is a woman, also in significant.
There are 2,118 such families, containing 14,811 persons.
To assess progress of the resettlement program, a
Vietnamese Resettlement Operational Feedback survey is being
carried out for the HEW Task Force.
Earlier Reports to the Congress have described a "Wave I"
survey conducted last September, when 1,570 households out
of a sample of 5,000 responded for an interview, and a "Wave II"
study in December, when 446 households who took part in the
first wave responded for follow-up interviews. In addition,
1,000 new households out of 2,650 responded in Wave II.
These studies assessed the language proficiency, educational
levels, health, family size, employment status, housing, need
for public assistance and various other data helpful in mounting
programs to aid resettlement.
R.
GERALD
FORD
From these studies emerged the picture of a refugee
population with a strong work ethic, but hampered by lack of
English language ability and marketable employment skills.
As with all surveys, the recurring question is the
extent and direction of the non-response bias: Are the non-
responding households in any way different from the respondents?
To answer this, a survey of non-respondents was conducted.
From a total of approximately 2,000 non-respondents in Wave II,
488 were selected and an intensive effort was made to locate
them. Of these, 406 heads of households were successfully
interviewed in February and March, either by telephone from
Washington, D.C. or by on-site visits by two teams of inter-
viewers.
Comparison of the results of the non-respondent survey
with those of Wave II shows that the Wave II households were
somewhat younger than those in the non-respondent one. Slightly
more than one third of them (37%) were age 14 and under com-
pared to 33% in the non-respondent households. On the other
hand, 44% of people in the Wave II households were between 15
and 34 years old compared to 48% among the non-respondents.
There were slightly fewer males and more females in Wave II
households than in non-respondents at all levels.
From an educational perspective, only 17% of the Wave II
households had no formal education, compared to 40% of the
non-respondents. However, there were no differences in their
English proficiency levels.
Non-respondent households tended to be smaller; about 70%
of them had five members or less, compared to 56% of the Wave
II households.
The non-respondents had a higher employment rate than
those in Wave II households (83% VS. 78%). But there did not
seem to be any differences in the income levels of the two
groups.
A large majority of the non-respondent households (84%)
currently resided in their rented quarters, compared to 60%
of the Wave II households. Only 6% were still living with
their sponsors, compared to 25% of the Wave II households.
In general, more non-respondents than Wave II households
receive federal assistance such as medical aid (36% VS. 23%),
refugee financial assistance (17% VS. 13%) and SSI (5% VS. 2%).
The proportion of families receiving food stamps was almost
the same for both groups (26% for non-respondents and 25% for
Wave II households).
In summary, it appears that members of the non-respondent
families are somewhat older, smaller, and had less education,
but were more active and successful in the labor force than
Wave II families. They also appeared to be more self-sufficient
in terms of living arrangements.
The data show that, contrary to previous expectations
stemming from inability to make contact during the survey,
the non-respondent families were in general better off, rather
than worse, compared to Wave II families. Without the non-
respondent survey, the bias, if any, would be in the direction
of under estimating the extent of the adjustment of the refugees
to their new life. That is, the refugees were in fact doing
better than on the basis of the Wave II data alone. This gives
us more confidence in the validity of the Wave II data than
if the non-respondent survey had shown results in the other
direction.
On the other hand, there was a lapse of about two months
between the Wave II survey and the non-respondent survey. The
non-respondent families could very well have an edge over the
Wave II families because of the extra two months which may
favorably contribute to the adjustment process in terms of
employment and living situations. If so, this should be a
hopeful sign in the sense that, with time, the situation of
refugee families will continue to improve meaningfully.
The HEW Task Force operates with three major sections --
Resettlement, Information and Referral, and Publications --
and through Regional Refugee Assistance Coordinators in each
of HEW's 10 regions.
A fourth section for Program Assessment was part of the
original HEW Task Force and before it, a part of the IATF.
Beginning in October 1975, HEW assessment teams visited and
studied areas where many refugees were living. Similar patterns
and problems were found in all such communities, and visits
during March, April and May of this year served to corroborate
findings of the initial visits.
The assessment studies revealed that the sponsorships by
church and civic organizations had been more successful than
those of individuals, that urban areas were better able to
provide the educational and employment aid which refugees
needed, that most refugees needed additional language training,
and that except for dental problems, refugees' health generally
was good.
The studies also noted that the resources of some local
social agencies had been strained by the sudden influx of
refugees, and that bilingual staff helped local social
service systems address the unique needs of the refugee
population. Indo-Chinese self-help groups were developing
in areas of refugee concentration and were of great assistance
to refugees. The Task Force is working to assist these
developing groups and organizations.
Further, through the efforts of the Assessment Unit,
the Task Force was able to refine its understanding of ongoing
resettlement programs and to reinforce its awareness that
the lack of permanent full time employment for many of the
refugee family heads was a problem that needed attention. The
findings of the assessment studies helped form the rationale
for development and distribution of the national Strategy and
Objectives Memorandum mentioned earlier. With its assessment
work completed, the section was disbanded during the quarter
just past.
The Resettlement Liaison Section is responsible for
working with resettlement agencies on contract with the Federal
government -- including the national voluntary agencies, or
VOLAGs, which were enlisted to arrange sponsorships of more
than 114,000 refugees and are the first recourse of refugees
and sponsors alike if questions or problems arise. The sec-
tion also maintains liaison with the states and municipalities
which work in the resettlement area. In an effort to assess
the program to date, the resettlement agencies have requested
Program Progress Reports from their Regional and local affiliates
on each refugee family resettled. As of June 8, 1976, 11,767
reports concerning 58,686 individuals have been received.
As resettlement agencies more and more focus their activities
on job development and training and on adult language programs,
the Resettlement Section has sought to support their efforts
with information, printed materials, and referrals to other
agencies. There is some indication that cultural shock and
mild forms of depression are increasing in the refugee population.
The Resettlement Unit is working with the National Institute
of Mental Health to design a program to respond to this situation.
It is also felt that the developing Indo-Chinese organizations
can be helpful in this area.
The Information and Referral Unit, staffed by personnel
fluent in English, Vietnamese, Cambodian, French, Lao, Thai
and Black Thai, operates a nation-wide toll-free telephone line
to answer questions, referring calls to the proper source to
receive help or information. Calls during the quarter dropped
from an average of more than 60 a day to about 45. The two
principal reasons for the total of more than 6,000 calls re-
ceived was to attempt to locate friends or family, and to
inquire about education or job training.
The Publications Unit, which produces a monthly news-
paper, NEW LIFE, and various handbooks and brochures, focused
its attention during the last quarter on home economy and
wage-earning. Articles on these subjects were featured in
the newspaper, and pamphlets on family budgeting and prudent
food shopping are being developed. In addition, two existing
publications were being prepared in the Laotian language, and an
English-Lao/Lao-English dictionary was published. The news-
paper circulates to about 35,000 families each month, and enjoys
credibility among refugees as a communications link with the
Federal government.
The rate of inquiries to the American Red Cross locator
service, maintained under contract with HEW, remained high,
with April inquiries totalling 3,150 letters and wires. Since
its inception in August 1975 through May 14 of this year, the
service has received 12,750 requests for help, and has registered
about 47,700 names. The rate of success in locating missing
families or friends is about 60 per cent. The Task Force plans
to continue the contract with the Red Cross through September
1976. After that time the Red Cross will handle this humanitar-
ain activity as part of it's ongoing program.
Volume also remained high on the number of inquiries re-
ceived by the Young Lawyers Section of the American Bar
Association, which provides legal assistance to refugees,
utilizing a toll-free telephone number. Since the service
began in August 1975, a total of 400 requests, 140 of them
during the period from March 22 to April 30, have been handled
by the service. Many other inquiries were referred to other
agencies such as INS, VOLAGs, and HEW regional offices. Prin-
cipal inquiries concern the establishment of valid documents
to verify name, date of birth and marriage, child custody,
setting up businesses, and like matters. Legal problems not
referred to agencies often are handled by ABA volunteers with-
out charge.
Federal Assistance (Cash, Medical, Services)
The Social and Rehabilitation Service has agreements with
the States authorizing financial and medical assistance and
social services for refugees and states receive 100 per cent
reimbursement for carrying out this activity.
On June 1,
or
per cent of the refugees were
receiving cash assistance and they were thereby also eligible
to receive medical assistance. In addition,
or
per cent of the refugees were authorized to receive only
medical assistance.
A continuing effort also is being carried out on behalf
of some 728 children identified as "unaccompanied refugee
children," -- persons under age 18 who left reception centers
without adult relatives and who were placed with unrelated
Indo-Chinese families, in foster care, or with a sponsoring
family, usually American.
The SRS ordered follow-up visits, usually at six-month
intervals, by state/local public child welfare agencies to
monitor the progress of these children.
The Office of Education's Refugee Assistance Task Force,
established in August 1975, administers programs involving
an authorized $25 million for refugee education. The major
expenditure - $15 million - is for grants to state and
local education agencies for some 40,000 school-age children.
Another $5 million is made available to states to provide
special English language instruction for the adult population
of about 70,000.
During the quarter just past, the last of the applications
for transitional grants to local school districts was processed
by OE, and grants also were provided to state education agencies
for leadership and technical assistance.
OE also continued to fund nation-wide telephone services
at Georgetown University and the Center for Applied Linguistics,
to help refugee students, teachers, and administrators interested
in pursuing post-secondary education.
Five OE bilingual centers provide special assistance to
school systems through in-service training workshops and
through development of curriculum materials designed especially
for refugees. OE also has made provision for meeting the
special needs of refugees taking college entrance examinations.
The Center for Disease Control, which has been conducting
a study of refugee health problems and access to health care,
will be analyzing its data during June.
Preliminary information suggests that the need for dental
care surpasses all other health problems, and that there are
very few cases of disease serious to the refugees or to
public health.
It also appears that access to health care varies widely,
depending upon geographic location. Of the three areas
(two urban and one rural) surveyed:
--In the Atlanta, Georgia area, most of the refugees are
employed, but health care often is not provided with employment.
With employment, refugees become ineligible for Medicaid, and
their income is usually too low for them to buy private
insurance.
--In the Fort Smith, Arkansas area, working refugees
have some form of health care coverage or insurance provided
by their employer.
--In San Diego, California, there is little or no private
health coverage, but most refugees are covered by Medi-Cal,
the State assistance program, which is considered adequate.
Four hundred and twelve refugee physicians are currently
participating in preparatory courses for the Educational
Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) examination
which will be held July 21, 1976. At present, seventy-one
refugee physicians are ECFMG certified with thirty-five of
the seventy-one having successfully passed the examination
in January 1976.
In addition to its program for helping Indo-Chinese
physicians prepare for the Educational Commission for
Foreign Medical Graduates examination, the Public Health
Service also is conducting a short-term program to help
refugee dentists qualify for practice in the United States.
About 80 dentists have been identified, and selected dental
schools will be awarded grants to begin training in September.
The Social Security Administration (SSA), which earlier
established procedures for issuing Social Security numbers to
refugees in relocation centers, has now started issuing numbers
to the
11,000 Indo-Chinese refugees in Thailand prior to
their departure for the United States. Prompt issuance of
Social Security numbers helps refugees become available for
employment sooner.
Refugees continue to flee the countries of Indochina; almost
85,000 are now in Thailand, and several boats recently reached
the Phillipines, Malaysia, and Indonesia with escaping Vietnamese.
As reported last quarter, the Department of State requested the
Attorney General to parole up to 11,000 more refugees, and on
May 5, authorization was given for that number.
INS officers sent to Thailand to interview refugees have
so far approved almost 8,000 for parole, and the U.S. Embassy
in Bangkok estimates that the total approved in Thailand will
be about 9,200 -- approximately 6,700 of them Lao and Meo,
1,100 Vietnamese, and 1,400 Cambodians. In addition, another
800 refugees elsewhere in Southeast Asia and around the world
will qualify. The unused numbers of the 11,000 will constitute
a "reserve", but funding will not be available for travel or
Voluntary Agency Resettlement grants after June 30.
Under the earlier Lao parole program, 2,900 have already
arrived and the rest are in final stages of processing. In both
the new "11,000" program and the nearly-completed Lao program,
the refugees go directly from overseas to sponsors in the
United States that have been obtained by one of eight VOLAG's
and two state programs (Iowa and Washington).
So far, there has been no progress made with respect to
the repatriation of the 439 Vietnamese refugees who have declared
their desire to return home. Efforts continue to achieve this
humanitarian goal for them and any Cambodians seeking repatriation.
Other Federal departments and agencies are continuing their
efforts to assist in refugee resettlement as follows:
The Department of Housing and Urban Development offers
programs of rental assistance, of sale or rental of HUD-held
properties, and of loan insurance for purchase of mobile homes.
In addition, many refugees are eligible for low-rent public
housing when available.
The Small Business Authority assists with business loans,
counsels prospective businessmen, and subcontracts government
business to help the succeed.
The Department of Agriculture issues food stamps to
refugees meeting eligibility standards.
The Department of Labor offers job placement service,
including counseling, testing, job development, and referral,
and also carries out a variety of special training programs
depending upon local needs. On May 13 the Department issued
a field memorandum clarifying its regulations under the
Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) making
refugees on cash assistance eligible for $30 a month incentive
allowances while receiving training under CETA.
The Legal Services Corporation offers a full range of
legal assistance, including counsel, representation, and
appeal on non-criminal matters to refugees meeting eligibility
standards.
Status Legislation
The overriding concern of the refugee population, and a
major deterrent to their permanent resettlement, is their
current parole status. They possess the unfounded fear that
they might somehow be forced to return to their homeland,
against their will, thereby making their adjustment to life
in America pointless.
Furthermore, as parolees in indefinite voluntary departure
status, they are not able to compete for some jobs, are often
denied entrance into other occupations because of state or
union regulations, sometimes are denied in-state college
tuition benefits, and excluded from many other benefits avail-
able to permanent resident aliens.
The Indo-Chinese are not unlike many other political
refugees who have come to our shores over the years. They
have a particularly strong work ethic and a consuming desire
to succeed in our culture and economy. Given time, they
assuredly have the potential for achieving this goal. The
parole status, however, serves to hinder their progress.
Congress now has before it legislation that would change
this parole status to that of resident alien, thus paving the
way for ultimate citizenship for the refugees. Through a
change in status, Congress would be according to this newest
wave of refugees the same treatment that has been given to
other newcomers to our shores, enabling them to become self-
sustaining as early as possible.
Funding Status
HEW obligations through May 31, 1976 total $77,408,848,
against an availability of $100,000,000 originally appro-
priated to HEW and $43,000,000 transferred to the HEW
appropriation from the Department of State appropriation,
leaving an availability of $82,624,319, of which $17,033,167
is deferred for contingencies.
Principal HEW appropriations have been used for education,
health, financial and medical assistance, and social services.
Total
Obligations
Amount
Source
Available
As of 5/31/76
Available
AID Funded by
Presidential
Determination
2,277,454
2,277,454
-0-
AID Funded by Indo-
china Postwar Re-
construction
98,000,000
98,000,000
-0-
State Portion of
Refugee Act of
1975 (includes
DOD and INS
portions) **
305,000,000
244,966,833
17,033,167 *
HEW Portion of
Refugee Act of
1975 **
100,000,000
77,408,848
22,591,152
Total
$505,277,454
$422,653,135
$39,624,319
Approp. Transferred
to HEW from State
Department
-0-
-0-
43,000,000
Total
$505,277,454
$422,653,135
$82,624,319
* Deferred for Contingencies
** Represents amount appropriated in PL 94-24
GERALD P FORD
A. HISTORICAL
CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS
1975
April 8
State Department officials consult with House
through
and Senate Committees regarding use of Attorney
April 15
General's "parole" authority for evacuees from
Indochina.
April 12 U. S. Embassy, Phnom Penh closes. Last Americans
are evacuated in operation "Eagle Pull".
April 12 U. S. Mission, Geneva, is asked to request
through
assistance from UNHCR and ICEM in locating
April 17
third countries willing to accept refugees
from Indochina.
April 14 Parole is authorized for dependents of American
citizens currently in Vietnam.
April 18 The President asks twelve Federal agencies "to
coordinate all U. S. Government activities
concerning evacuation of U. S. citizens, Viet-
namese citizens, and third country nationals
from Vietnam and refugee and resettlement prob-
lems relating to the Vietnam conflict" and names
Ambassador L. Dean Brown as his Special Repre-
sentative and Director of the Special Interagency
Task Force.
April 19 Parole is extended to include categories of
relatives of American citizens or permanent
resident aliens who are petition holders.
April 22 The Interagency Task Force asks civil and
military authorities on Guam to prepare a safe
haven estimated to be required for 90 days in
order to provide care and maintenance for an
estimated 50,000 refugees. The first to pass
through the area arrive the following day.
April 25 The Attorney General authorizes parole for
additional categories of relatives, Cambodians
in third countries and up to 50,000 "high-risk"
Vietnamese.
April 27 The Task Force requests all American missions
overseas to take up the possible resettlement
of refugees as a matter of urgency.
April 29 U. S. Embassy, Saigon, closes. Operation
Frequent Wind removes last Americans and
Vietnamese by helicopter from staging sites
in Saigon. The sea-lift and self-evacuation
continue. Camp Pendleton, California opens
as a refugee center prepared to care for
18,000 refugees.
May 2
Fort Chaffee, Arkansas opens as a refugee
reception center prepared to care for 24,000
refugees.
May 4
Eglin Air Force Base, Florida opens as a
refugee reception center prepared to accept
2,500 refugees (a figure later increased to
5,000).
May 5
Ambassador Brown and senior Task Force officials
testify before the Senate Foreign Affairs
Committee.
Ambassador Brown and senior Task Force officials
testify before the House Appropriations Defense
Subcommittee in connection with the Administration's
request for $507 million to run the refugee program.
May 7
Ambassador Brown and senior Task Force officials
testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee, the
House International Relations Committee, and on
May 8, the House Judiciary Committee.
May 22
Ambassador Brown and senior Task Force officials
testify before the House Judiciary Subcommittee.
A House and Senate conference committee agrees
on the language of the Indochina Migration and
Refugee Assistance Act of 1975, appropriating
$405 million for the Administration's refugee
program.
May 24
The Act becomes PL 94-23 as the President signs
it into law.
May 27
Ambassador Brown returns to his post at the
Middle East Institute and the President asks
Mrs. Julia Vadala Taft, Deputy Assistant
Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare
for Human Development, to act as Director of
the Interagency Task Force until arrangements
are completed for organizing the Government's
efforts for the longer term.
May 28
A fourth Stateside reception center is opened
at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, and
receives its first refugees.
May 29
The UNHCR sends a representative to Stateside
reception center, (Fort Chaffee) to interview
individuals who have indicated a desire to return
to Vietnam and whose names had been furnished
earlier. Representatives of the UNHCR have been
working similarly on Guam for several weeks, will
go to Pendleton and Indiantown Gap next week and
to Eglin thereafter.
June 6
HEW establishes a special Task Force with repre-
sentatives of the American Medical Association,
the American Association of Medical Colleges,
the Educational Commission on Foreign Medical
Graduates, and a number of programs within HEW
that deal with training and placement of physi-
cians in the U.S.
June 15
The President sends a Report to the Congress as
required by PL 94-23.
July 5
First of a series of regional meetings with local
government officials and representatives of
resettlement agencies held in New York City.
July 6
Subic Bay, Philippines refugee reception center
closes.
July 21
Principal operational responsibility for the Task
Force is transferred from the Department of State
to the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
Julia Vadala Taft is named as Director of the Task
Force.
August 1
Wake Island reception center closes.
Attorney General extends parole authority to
additional Indochina refugees stranded in "third
countries."
Sept. 15 Eglin Air Force Base, Florida refugee reception
center closes,
Sept. 23 The President transmits the Second Report to
the Congress on the activities of the Inter-
agency Task Force.
Sept. 30 Decision made to accede to demands of repatriates
on Guam for a ship to be sailed by them to Vietnam.
Oct. 16
The Vietnamese freighter, Vietnam Thuong Tin I,
sails from Guam bound for Vietnam with 1,546
repatriates aboard.
Oct. 31
Last date for movement of Indochina refugees
stranded in third countries into the U.S.
refugee system. Henceforth, admission of
refugees into the United States is the respon-
sibility of the Department of State.
Oct. 31
UN High Commissioner for Refugees meets with
Task Force and State Department officials. UNHCR
agrees to accept responsibility for Cambodian
refugees who do not wish to accept sponsorship
offers and desire to be repatriated.
Oct. 31
Reception centers on Guam and at Camp Pendleton,
California close.
Dec. 15
Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, Pennsylvania,
refugee reception center closes.
Dec. 20
Last 24 refugees leave Fort Chaffee resettlement
center to join sponsors, and this center, the
last to remain in operation, is officially closed.
Dec. 31
Interagency Task Force operations are terminated,
ending first phase of refugee program - evacuation
and resettlement.
1976
Jan. 1
HEW Refugee Task Force assumes responsibility
for domestic resettlement
Feb. 6
State Department and Attorney General's
office consult with Judiciary Subcommittee
on Immigration, Citizenship and International
Law (Joshua Eilberg, Chairman) on issuance of
parole authority to admit to the U.S. 11,000
Indochina refugees now in camps in Thailand.
Feb. 12
HEW Refugee Task Force and voluntary resettle-
ment agencies (VOLAGS) meet in Washington, to
examine methods for a coordinated effort to
assure opportunities for self-sufficiency among
the new immigrants.
Feb. 18-19
Conference for HEW Regional Refugee Assistance
Coordinators held in Washington to discuss
domestic resettlement priorities.
Feb. 23-26
HEW Refugee Task Force Director and Deputy
Regional Director attend a series of meetings
with State of California, local county officials,
and a number of Volag executive directors to
discuss refugee resettlement issues.
March 15
Voluntary Agency directors sign HEW Strategy
and Objectives memorandum pledging to reduce cash
assistance cases by 50% by October 1, 1976.
March 17
House Subcommittee on HEW Appropriation meets
with HEW Refugee Task Force Director to discuss
FY 1977 budget.
March 17
HEW Social and Rehabilitation Service establishes
with the States a reporting system for Alien
Registration Numbers of refugees on welfare.
March 31
Seattle regional conference of HEW Task Force,
voluntary agencies, State officials, refugees,
and sponsors yields guidelines for joint actions.
April 8
Senate Subcommittee on HEW Appropriations holds
hearing on FY 1977 Refugee Task Force funding.
April 9
HEW Regional Offices are directed to develop
plans for using seed monies to fund local activities
designed to remove refugees from the cash assistance
rolls and place them in jobs.
May 5
An Expanded Parole Program for 11,000
additional Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Laotian
refugees is authorized by the Attorney General.
May 20-21
Representatives from HEW's Refugee Task Force,
Office of Education, and Social and Rehabilita-
tion Service (SRS) meet to develop Federal
strategies on refugee assistance for the future,
including the role of Indochinese self-help
groups, and on the phasing of residual Task
Force responsibilities into SRS.
June 4
Nationwide conference for State resettlement
groups and representatives from State Governors'
offices is held in Kansas City to exchange
information and ideas.
June 4
$2 million allocated to the State of California
for a special English language and vocational
training program.
HEW REFUGEE TASK FORCE
DIRECTOR
Executive Officer
Financial Officer
Data Information Officer
Associate Director
Associate Director
Associate Director
for
for
for
Resettlement Agency
Information and
Liaison
Publications
Referral
Refugee Assistance
Coordinators
Region I through X
B. REFUGEE PROFILE
Number of Refugees Processed Through System
Based on Task Force Evacuee File Statistics
May 31, 1976
Refugees Resettled to Known U. S. Locations
121,610
Refugees Resettled to Unknown U. S. Locations
8,182
Total Resettled in U. S.
129,792 (*)
Refugees Resettled into Third Countries
6,632
Refugees Repatriated to Vietnam
1,546 (**)
Births
822
Deaths
77
Total Refugees Processed
138,869 (*)
(*) Does not include 500 refugees entering the U.S. under
Humanitarian Parole and 300 refugees entering the U.S.
under the Expanded Parole Program for the period
January through May 1976.
Does include 4,926 Cambodians admitted since March, 1975.
(**) There are 439 repatriation requests before the UN High
Commissioner for Refugees.
Distribution by State and Age Category
Based on 114,140 INS Alien Address Reports
17 and
Over 17
17 and
Over 17
Under
Under
Alabama
505
665
New Hampshire
44
99
Alaska
33
52
New Jersey
634
988
Arkansas
723
940
New Mexico
364
387
Arizona
527
626
New York
1,467
2,237
California
10,245
14,447
North Carolina
430
579
Colorado
867
1,042
North Dakota
155
189
Connecticut
436
540
Ohio
1,180
1,593
Delaware
60
84
Oklahoma
1,252
1,836
District of Columbia
84
322
Oregon
951
1,007
Florida
1,826
2,624
Pennsylvania
2,842
3,902
Georgia
490
802
Rhode Island
57
145
Hawaii
658
1,020
South Carolina
321
428
Idaho
122
179
South Dakota
208
251
Illinois
1,443
2,142
Tennessee
398
500
Indiana
811
938
Texas
3,927
5,106
Iowa
1,152
1,156
Utah
262
392
Kansas
709
867
Vermont
39
57
Kentucky
385
460
Virginia
1,904
2,737
Louisiana
1,526
1,842
Washington
1,844
2,329
Maine
98
230
West Virginia
91
123
Maryland
947
1,470
Wisconsin
784
963
Massachusetts
500
698
Wyoming
35
89
Michigan
1,046
1,300
Guam
287
433
Minnesota
1,644
1,820
Puerto Rico
11
10
Mississippi
177
230
Virgin Islands
8
5
Missouri
1,173
1,505
Montana
86
119
Not Indicated
176
183
Nebraska
539
575
Nevada
151
243
TOTAL
48,634
65,506
REFUGEES BY STATE
Projections
Sent to each state
Residing in each state
during 1975
in Jan - Feb, 1976
(according to
(according to INS file)
Evacuee file)
%
Number
Estimated*
%
Number
Alabama
.97
1,262
1.03
1,337
Alaska
.06
81
.07
91
Arkansas
1.57
2,042
1.46
1,896
Arizona
.82
1,059
1.01
1,311
California
20.96
27,199
21.63
28,074
Colorado
1.38
1,790
1.67
2,168
Connecticut
.91
1,175
..86
1,116
Delaware
.12
155
.13
169
Dist. of Col.
.97
1,254
.36
467
Florida
4.10
5,322
3.90
5,062
Georgia
1.03
1,331
1.13
1,467
Hawaii
1.57
2,039
1.47
1,908
Idaho
.32
412
.26
337
Illinois
2.85
3,696
3.14
4,075
Indiana
1.38
1,785
1.53
1,986
Iowa
2.00
2,593
2.02
2,622
Kansas
1.46
1,897
1.38
1,791
Kentucky
.75
967
.74
960
Louisiana
2.78
3,602
2.95
3,829
Maine
.29
375
.29
376
Maryland
1.79
2,319
2.12
2,752
Massachusetts
.90
1,169
1.05
1,363
Michigan
1.70
2,200
2.06
2.674
Minnesota
2.93
3,802
3.03
3,933
Mississippi
.38
488
.36
467
Missouri
2.06
2,669
2.35
3,050
Montana
.15
198
.18
234
Nebraska
.93
1,211
.98
1,272
Nevada
.26
338
.35
454
New Hampshire
.12
161
.13
169
New Jersey
1.17
1,515
1.42
1,843
New Mexico
.80
1,040
.66
857
New York
2.93
3,806
3.25
4,218
North Carolina
.97
1,261
.88
1,142
North Dakota
.35
448
.30
389
Ohio
2.25
2,924
2.43
3,154
Oklahoma
2.84
3,689
2.71
3,517
Oregon
1.59
2,063
1.72
2,232
Pennsylvania
5.52
7,159
5.91
7,671
Rhode Island
.17
223
.18
234
South Carolina
.58
759
.66
857
South Dakota
.42
545
.40
519
Tennessee
.71
922
.79
1,025
Texas
7.03
9,130
7.91
10,267
Utah
.43
559
.57
740
Vermont
.12
150
.08
104
Virginia
2.88
3,733
4.07
5,283
Washington
3.22
4,182
3.66
4,750
West Virginia
.15
195
.19
247
Wisconsin
1.40
1,821
1.53
1,986
Wyoming
.09
115
.11
143
Guam
.60
778
.63
818
Unknown
6.30
8,182
.31
402
100.03%
100.01%
Total
(129,792)
(129,792)
(114,140)
(129,792)*
*
The numbers in column four are arrived at by applying the percentages derived
from the 114,140 INS cards to the total of 129,792 refugees who went through the
camps so that the numbers of refugees in columns two and four are comparable.
Column four thereby represents an estimate of where all the refugees who went
through the camps are in early 1976.
Demographic Data
The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) provided
information and reports on the Indochina Refugees from the
annual Alien Address Report (Form I-53) received from aliens
by the INS. The following demographic data was prepared
from 114,140 Alien Address Reports identified as Indochina
Refugees.
Distribution by Age and Sex
Based on 114,140 INS Alien Address Reports
AGE
MALE
FEMALE
TOTAL
0 - 5
8,250
14.24 %
8,319
14.80 %
16,569
14.52 %
6 - 11
8,485
14.65
8,269
14.71
16,754
14.68
12 - 17
7,824
13.51
7,487
13.32
15,311
13.41
18 - 24
11,364
19.62
9,476
16.85
20,840
18.26
25 - 34
10,612
18.32
10,212
18.16
20,824
18.25
35 - 44
5,481
9.46
5,115
9.10
10,596
9.28
45 - 62
4,046
6.99
4,175
7.43
8,221
7.20
63 &
1,857
3.21
3,168
5.63
5,025
4.40
Over
TOTAL
57,919
100.00 %
56,221
100.00 %
114,140
100.00 %
MALES
17 and under
-
24,559
42.40 %
Over 17
-
33,360
57.60 %
TOTAL
57,919
100.00 %
FEMALES
17 and under
-
24,075
42.82 %
Over 17
-
32,146
57.18 %
TOTAL
56,221
100.00 %
Total Male Population
-
57,919
50.74 %
Total Female Population
- 56,221
49.26 %
Total Population
- 114,140
100.00 %
Family Unit Consisting of One Person
Distribution By State and Sex
(Based on Refugee Task Force Computer Data on 124,493 Refugees)
Male
Female
Male
Female
Alabama
153
21
New Hampshire
31
9
Alaska
23
3
New Jersey
207
31
Arkansas
418
101
New Mexico
75
16
Arizona
109
39
New York
431
115
California
2,119
629
North Carolina
130
25
Colorado
178
39
North Dakota
31
6
Connecticut
99
21
Ohio
304
57
Delaware
16
6
Oklahoma
448
105
District of Columbia
136
30
Oregon
170
17
Florida
593
116
Pennsylvania
954
158
Georgia
175
38
Rhode Island
43
4
Hawaii
75
31
South Carolina
107
13
Idaho
27
3
South Dakota
64
10
Illinois
396
76
Tennessee
93
30
Indiana
147
33
Texas
869
175
Iowa
154
41
Utah
69
11
Kansas
148
27
Vermont
38
5
Kentucky
65
13
Virginia
356
118
Louisiana
316
80
Washington
298
80
Maine
136
5
West Virginia
26
10
Maryland
258
91
Wisconsin
150
32
Massachusetts
124
30
Wyoming
17
2
Michigan
242
35
Guam
281
15
Minnesota
330
64
Puerto Rico
0
1
Mississippi
61
9
Missouri
220
55
Montana
35
8
Not Indicated
1,432
596
Nebraska
97
21
Nevada
28
11
TOTAL
13,502
3,317
Refugee Household Units by Sex of Head of Household
(Based on Task Force computer data on 124,493 refugees)
HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD MALE
HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD FEMALE
ALL HOUSEHOLDS
NUMBER
NUMBER
NUMBER
FAMILY
OF
TOTAL
FAMILY
OF
TOTAL
FAMILY
OF
TOTAL
SIZE
FAMILIES
PERSONS
SIZE
FAMILIES
PERSONS
SIZE
FAMILIES
PERSONS
1
13,502
13,502
1
3,317
3,317
1
16,819
16,819
2
3,174
6,348
2
1,350
2,700
2
4,524
9,048
3
2,172
6,516
3
994
2,982
3
3,166
9,498
4
2,173
8,692
4
779
3,116
4
2,952
11,808
5
1,892
9,460
5
645
3,225
5
2,537
12,685
6
1,681
10,086
6
504
3,024
6
2,185
13,110
7
1,323
9,261
7
340
2,380
7
1,663
11,641
8
1,127
9,016
8
230
1,840
8
1,357
10,856
9
786
7,074
9
174
1,566
9
960
8,640
10
551
5,510
10
69
690
10
620
6,200
28,381
85,465
8,402
24,840
36,783
110,305
Over 10
905
12,102(*)
Over 10
156
2,086(*)
Over 10
1,061
14,188
TOTAL
29,286
97,567
8,558
26,926
37,844
124,493
GERALD
R.
FORD
LISBARY
(*) calculated figure based on average of 13.3722 persons in a household of over 10 persons
Refugee Household Units by Sex of Head of Household
(Based on Task Force computer data on 124,493 refugees and 37,844 households)
HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD MALE
HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD FEMALE
ALL HOUSEHOLDS
PERCENT
PERCENT
PERCENT
PERCENT
PERCENT
PERCENT
FAMILY
OF ALL
OF ALL
FAMILY
OF ALL
OF ALL
FAMILY
OF ALL
OF ALL
SIZE
HOUSEHOLDS
PERSONS
SIZE
HOUSEHOLDS
PERSONS
SIZE
HOUSEHOLDS
PERSONS
1
35.68
10.85
1
8.77
2.66
1
44.45
13.51
2
8.39
5.10
2
3.57
2.17
2
11.96
7.27
3
5.74
5.23
3
2.63
2.40
3
8.37
7.63
4
5.74
6.98
4
2.06
2.50
4
7.80
9.48
5
4.99
7.60
5
1.70
2.59
5
6.69
10.19
6
4.44
8.10
6
1.33
2.43
6
5.77
10.53
7
3.50
7.44
7
.89
1.91
7
4.39
9.35
8
2.98
7.24
8
.61
1.48
8
3.59
8.72
9
2.08
5.68
9
.46
1.26
9
2.54
6.94
10
1.46
4.43
10
.18
.55
10
1.64
4.98
75.00
68.65
22.20
19.95
97.20
88.60
Over 10
2.39
9.72(*)
Over 10
.41
1.68(*)
Over 10
2.80
11.40
TOTAL
77.39
78.37
22.61
21.63
100.00
100.00
(*) calculated figure based on average of 13.3722 persons in a household of over 10 persons
The following tabulation shows the resettlement of Refugee
Household Units by State and Sex of the Head of Household.
(Based on Task Force computer data on 124,493 refugees)
Number Of Persons Comprising A Household Unit
Sex Of
Over
Total
H.O.H.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
H.O.H.
Number of Household Units Resettled
Alabama
M
153
26
33
32
14
20
14
14
10
7
9
332
F
21
6
7
5
7
3
3
1
2
2
57
Alaska
M
23
2
1
2
2
1
31
F
3
2
1
1
7
Arkansas
M
418
95
69
38
39
38
41
32
21
15
20
826
F
101
40
35
19
21
16
6
3
4
1
246
Arizona
M
109
30
14
24
24
11
19
11
6
6
7
261
F
39
17
11
6
4
6
5
2
4
1
2
97
California
M
2119
599
397
411
391
334
248
202
157
96
153
5107
F
629
295
203
166
138
104
83
52
43
13
26
1752
Colorado
M
178
49
23
29
24
24
26
18
12
6
17
406
F
39
18
14
11
11
8
9
4
4
2
120
Connecticut
M
99
30
17
17
20
20
8
12
4
6
8
241
F
21
12
4
7
5
1
3
3
3
59
Delaware
M
16
2
1
4
1
2
2
2
1
1
32
F
6
1
2
1
2
12
District of Columbia
'M
136
24
11
17
17
16
4
4
2
1
4
236
F
30
14
14
7
4
6
1
1
1
1
79
Florida
M
593
127
113
101
82
66
55
46
36
14
36
1269
F
116
60
45
24
18
15
13
4
5
4
4
308
Georgia
M
175
29
23
21
22
15
15
8
8
11
10
337
F
38
17
11
8
7
3
4
3
2
93
Hawaii
M
75
16
14
11
11
12
4
3
3
1
150
F
31
19
8
8
5
11
3
1
1
2
89
Idaho
M
27
7
3
5
1
3
3
5
1
2
3
60
F
3
3
2
1
3
1
13
H.O.H. = Head of Household
Number Of Persons Comprising A Household Unit
Sex Of
Over
Total
H.O.H.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
H.O.H.
Number of Household Units Resettled
Alabama
M
153
26
33
32
14
20
14
14
10
7
9
332
F
21
6
7
5
7
3
3
1
2
2
57
Alaska
M
23
2
1
2
2
1
31
F
3
2
1
1
7
Arkansas
M
418
95
69
38
39
38
41
32
21
15
20
826
F
101
40
35
19
21
16
6
3
4
1
246
Arizona
M
109
30
14
24
24
11
19
11
6
6
7
261
F
39
17
11
6
4
6
5
2
4
1
2
97
California
M
2119
599
397
411
391
334
248
202
157
96
153
5107
F
629
295
203
166
138
104
83
52
43
13
26
1752
Colorado
M
178
49
23
29
24
24
26
18
12
6
17
406
F
39
18
14
11
11
8
9
4
4
2
120
Connecticut
M
99
30
17
17
20
20
8
12
4
6
8
241
F
21
12
4
7
5
1
3
3
3
59
Delaware
M
16
2
1
4
1
2
2
2
1
1
32
F
6
1
2
1
2
12
District of Columbia
'M
136
24
11
17
17
16
4
4
2
1
4
236
F
30
14
14
7
4
6
1
1
1
1
79
Florida
M
593
127
113
101
82
66
55
46
36
14
36
1269
F
116
60
45
24
18
15
13
4
5
4
4
308
Georgia
M
175
29
23
21
22
15
15
8
8
11
10
337
F
38
17
11
8
7
3
4
3
2
93
Hawaii
M
75
16
14
11
11
12
4
3
3
1
150
F
31
19
8
8
5
11
3
1
1
2
89
Idaho
M
27
7
3
5
1
3
3
5
1
2
3
60
F
3
3
2
1
3
1
13
H.O.H. = Head of Household
Number of Persons Comprising A Household Unit
Sex Of
Over
Total
H.O.H.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
H.O.H.
Number
of Household Units Resettled
Illinois
M
396
121
59
59
66
60
44
35
19
14
25
898
F
76
35
43
22
29
14
11
7
3
3
1
244
Indiana
M
147
36
35
31
23
25
23
19
14
7
15
375
F
33
9
15
13
8
4
9
2
1
3
97
Iowa
M
154
36
32
27
23
40
20
33
24
18
35
442
F
41
8
10
14
8
6
4
10
6
1
7
115
Kansas
M
148
35
21
25
30
16
21
20
17
7
14
354
F
27
16
13
14
11
5
5
2
4
1
4
102
Kentucky
M
65
11
11
9
14
14
11
11
7
10
7
170
F
13
5
8
2
5
3
2
2
1
1
42
Louisiana
M
316
70
42
55
41
52
45
41
31
29
50
772
F
80
25
21
11
13
12
13
12
8
3
8
206
Maine
M
136
21
5
4
4
4
1
2
1
1
179
F
5
2
4
2
2
2
1
18
Maryland
M
258
51
36
48
46
30
23
18
12
4
13
539
F
91
32
15
20
11
10
6
3
3
191
Massachusetts
M
124
27
26
19
16
11
12
10
9
5
7
266
F
30
23
10
10
3
2
3
1
1
1
2
86
Michigan
M
242
59
41
36
36
29
24
23
17
14
19
540
F
35
16
15
11
10
8
6
2
1
1
2
107
Minnesota
M
330
76
71
60
52
61
34
33
21
18
31
787
F
64
30
26
19
19
18
14
12
2
1
12
217
Mississippi
M
61
16
5
3
7
5
3
2
5
4
1
112
F
9
4
5
1
2
1
1
1
24
Missouri
M
220
80
40
43
44
44
27
26
27
10
24
585
F
55
23
15
22
15
10
9
2
8
3
6
168
H.O.H. = Head of Household
Number Of Persons Comprising A Household Unit
Sex Of
Over
Total
H.O.H.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
H.O.H.
Number of Household Units Resettled
Montana
M
35
9
3
2
1
2
3
1
1
1
58
F
8
2
1
2
2
1
16
Nebraska
M
97
18
22
21
22
24
15
8
11
8
8
254
F
21
8
8
5
3
2
3
4
1
2
57
Nevada
M
28
12
5
8
8
5
4
4
1
1
2
78
F
11
13
4
3
1
1
33
New Hampshire
M
31
11
3
2
3
2
3
55
F
9
2
1
2
14
New Jersey
M
207
51
32
34
26
15
13
11
9
5
7
410
F
31
22
16
9
8
13
3
3
3
1
109
New Mexico
M
75
21
9
19
10
12
10
13
9
11
11
200
F
16
4
7
6
7
2
4
1
2
2
51
New York
M
431
109
76
71
66
46
55
31
17
13
25
940
F
115
43
32
22
25
19
8
8
8
3
4
287
North Carolina
M
130
33
20
14
24
22
12
12
4
6
13
290
F
25
9
9
11
5
6
1
3
1
1
2
73
North Dakota
M
31
12
5
9
8
2
5
5
2
4
1
84
F
6
2
2
3
1
3
1
1
2
1
22
Ohio
M
304
83
49
58
38
34
29
25
20
14
23
677
F
57
19
25
17
7
13
7
5
5
1
3
159
Oklahoma
M
448
112
56
52
56
38
34
37
21
18
33
905
F
105
41
28
15
20
14
11
3
3
4
1
245
Oregon
M
170
41
24
26
30
36
28
17
15
9
19
415
F
17
9
4
10
5
6
4
5
2
3
65
Pennsylvania
M
954
222
143
141
106
81
78
73
51
35
51
1935
F
158
68
49
35
38
19
17
14
9
6
11
424
H.O.H. = Head of Household
Number Of Persons Comprising A Household Unit
Sex Of
Over
Total
H.O.H.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
H.O.H.
Number of Household Units Resettled
Rhode Island
M
43
9
6
7
4
2
1
1
1
74
F
4
2
4
1
1
2
1
15
South Carolina
M
107
13
20
7
10
7
10
4
10
3
5
196
F
13
9
7
4
4
2
3
1
2
1
46
South Dakota
M
64
15
12
6
5
7
7
4
6
4
6
136
F
10
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
18
Tennessee
M
93
20
11
13
16
17
17
5
8
14
8
222
F
30
8
9
3
4
4
2
2
1
63
Texas
M
869
204
153
170
136
129
111
90
58
41
75
2036
F
175
70
57
43
53
45
19
18
7
5
15
507
Utah
M
69
15
12
15
10
8
5
8
6
2
3
153
F
11
5
2
2
3
5
3
1
32
Vermont
M
38
6
2
1
1
2
50
F
5
2
1
8
Virginia
M
356
76
81
74
60
72
31
39
20
14
22
845
F
118
60
30
41
24
21
12
7
I
3
6
323
Washington
M
298
93
68
87
60
50
59
39
15
16
33
818
F
80
25
28
32
24
10
12
11
12
6
240
West Virginia
M
26
2
7
4
6
1
1
2
2
2
2
55
F
10
10
20
Wisconsin
M
150
34
30
38
30
32
13
19
16
5
16
383
F
32
17
8
15
17
7
3
4
2
1
2
108
Wyoming
M
17
3
4
6
3
1
1
2
1
38
F
2
1
3
H.O.H. = Head of Household
Number Of Persons Comprising A Household Unit
Sex Of
Over
Total
H.O.H.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
H.O.H.
Number of Household Units Resettled
Guam
M
281
8
2
1
1
1
294
F
15
2
1
1
1
1
21
Puerto Rico
M
0
F
1
1
Virgin Islands
M
1
1
F
0
State Not Indicated
M
1432
267
174
158
108
81
51
42
18
21
25
2377
F
596
170
103
75
34
32
17
7
4
4
7
1049
TOTAL
M
13502
3174
2172
2173
1892
1681
1323
1127
786
551
905
29286
TOTAL
F
3317
1350
994
779
645
504
340
230
174
69
156
8558
GRAND TOTAL
16819
4524
3166
2952
2537
2185
1663
1357
960
620
1061
37844
H.O.H. = Head of Household
C. RESETTLEMENT
WASHINGTON OFFICE
The HEW Refugee Task Force has continued in its primary
role of coordinating federally financed programs to help
Indochinese refugees become productive members of American
society. It continues to operate through a central staff
at HEW headquarters in Washington and a refugee assistance
staff in each of the ten HEW Regional Offices.
During most of the last quarter, the Washington staff
functioned through 4 units: 1) Resettlement Agency Liaison;
2) Assessment of Resettlement Programs; 3) Information and
Referral, and; 4) Publications. Recently, the Assessment
Unit was disbanded, having achieved its purpose through its
many on-site visits and had developed a clear picture of the
refugee resettlement situation in all areas of major refugee
concentration in the country.
The Resettlement Liaison Unit of the Task Force has maintained
its contact with the national and local offices of the Volun-
tary State, and local resettlement agencies. Individual
casework continues, triggered by the correspondence that comes
in and from calls on the toll-free line, although to a some-
what lessened degree. Problems still reflect some misunder-
standing about the $500 received by agencies for resettling
each refugee. The major concerns expressed in the letters
have to do with financial assistance, the need for jobs, and
for English language and job skill training. Questions
regarding federal grants and loans for postsecondary education
have become more frequent as have questions regarding bringing
relatives out of Thailand.
Members of the Liaison staff work with specific resettlement
agencies. Visits are made periodically to the national and
sometimes to local offices of the resettlement agencies, to
provide technical assistance and to examine methods of
operation.
The objective of the resettlement agencies has been focusing
more and more on the broad issues of job development, job
training programs, and adult English language programs. The
HEW Liaison staff has sought to further these efforts by
supplying information, printed materials, referrals to other
agencies, and feed-back on the results of the agencies' efforts.
The Liaison unit, along with the other units of the HEW Refugee
Task Force, has turned an increasing amount of attention to
Agencies, establishes a goal of reducing the refugee cash
assistance caseload by 50% by September, 1976. It further
specifies that regional and State programs will be developed
to accomplish the goal, emphasizing coordination of
federal, State, local and Voluntary Agency resources.
By the end of May, Assessment Unit activities were
incorporated within the greater scope of Task Force
activities.
The Information and Referral Unit continues to operate
a toll-free telephone line to meet the continuing
resettlement needs of refugees. Staffed with personnel
fluent in English, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Lao, Thai,
Black Thai and French, the unit answers calls and letters
on a wide variety of subjects in the appropriate language.
Calls during the first quarter averaged more than 60 per
day. The arrival of an additional 11,000 refugees under
the expanded parole is expected to result in an increase
in the number of calls.
From January 2 to June 1, 1976 6,001 calls were received.
The calls received during this period are broken down as
follows:
Locator/Family reunification
1,146
Education/training
725
Refugees in third countries
542
Publications
474
Government assistance
427
VOLAG assistance
340
Immigration information
207
Desires relocation
169
Employment
106
Refugee/sponsor problem
(other than breakdown)
103
Volag/sponsor function
70
Interpreter/translation
59
Job offers
48
Repatriation
29
Housing
26
Breakdown
3
Misc.
1,527
Total
6,001
The majority of the inquiries are for routine information
concerning the resettlement program. Inquiries for infor-
mation not readily available at the Task Force is researched
or referred to the proper agency for response.
Few serious problems are reported on the toll-free number,
indicating that most of these are being handled by the
voluntary agencies at the local level. Serious resettle-
ment problems are referred to the voluntary agencies or
the HEW Regional Offices for follow-up.
An analysis of the types of calls received indicates
little change from the previous quarter. Education,
including English language training continues to be of
primary importance to the refugees. Calls continue to
come in from refugees desiring to relocate. A warmer
climate, hope for a better job and the desire to be
closer to other Vietnamese are the primary reasons given.
These refugees are not encouraged to move because many of
them intend to move to areas of high unemployment. However,
the calls suggest that secondary migration continues.
During the second quarter, the publications unit focused
on home economy and wage-earning in the United States
through articles in its monthly newsletter, NEW LIFE,
and through preparation of pamphlets on family budgeting
and prudent grocery shopping. Existing Task Force
materials were translated into Laotian for the Thai Dam.
Arrangements were also made to add a Lao section to the
currently trilingual (Cambodian/Vietnamese/English)
newsletter.
Reports from resettlement organizations and refugee self-
help groups indicate NEW LIFE is received by the new
immigrants and their sponsors as their chief source of
credible information on public and private programs avail-
able for their assistance. Thirty-five thousand copies of
the newsletter are distributed monthly. Recent issues
have discussed establishing small businesses, learning
English, summer educational opportunities, using the
locating resources and ways to cope with mental health
problems that are arising among the refugees. To help
meet this problem and also, generally, to encourage the
refugees as they organize to help themselves, the Task
Force is identifying refugee self-help groups and organiza-
tions. Job development, training, and emotional support
centered around the preservation of the ways and values of
the refugees' own culture within the context of their new
land can be provided by these indigenous organizations.
The site visits of the former Assessment Unit in March,
April and early May served to corroborate the original
findings which had emerged from initial assessment visits
(included in the preceding Congressional Report).
1. The variation of refugee education and occupa-
tional experience and existing transferrable
skills has not resulted in the attainment of
permanent jobs among the Indo-Chinese. Avail
able employment tends to be concentrated in
temporary or part-time jobs, although refugees
have taken entry level jobs where available and
where their language skills have allowed them
to continue in these jobs.
2. The uncertainty of their status (parolee) and
conditions in general-particularly as related
to command of English and access to secure
employment - have extended the sense of trauma-
tization (attendent to their flight from South-
east Asia) to a reinforced sense of isolation
that serves to further hamper efforts of full
participation and self-sufficiency of the refugees.
Further, the Task Force was able to refine its understanding of
ongoing resettlement programs and to reinforce its awareness
that certain critical problems were common whereever descrip-
tions of which follow, represented the basis for recommenda-
tions made to resettlement programs visited and formed the
rationale for development and distribution of a national
Strategy and Objectives Memorandum.
It was found that in most areas of high refugee concentration,
there were a number of "resettlement practitioners" involved
in assisting refugees, but generally doing so without coordi-
nation and awareness of one another's activities. In many
instances, the ability of the assessment unit to act as an
objective outside observer proved helpful in pulling these
individual sources of assistance and activity together to
maximize resources and impact. It was also found without
variation that refugees in areas visited by the assessment
unit were hampered by English language deficiency, utilizing
cash assistance to a high degree - often as an alternative to
unemployment - and, when employed, usually underemployed.
These findings led to the development of the Strategy and
Objectives Memorandum. That document, signed by the Task
Force Director and the national leadership of the Voluntary
public library, and defensive driving. Notices have
also been printed dealing with postal rates, registering
to take the English language proficiency test (for
prospective college students), and applying for back
pay by former U.S. employees. The newsletter, there-
fore, serves as a native language communications link
between the Federal government and the Indochinese
refugee population.
The publications unit distributes the following hand-
books and materials:
Information for Sponsors of Indochinese Refugees
(English)
The Indochinese Refugee Program: Questions and
Answer
(English)
An Organization and Welcome Guide for Groups
Sponsoring Indochinese Refugees
(English)
Cambodian/English--English/Cambodian Glossary
Vietnamese Refugee Orientation Handbook
(English/Vietnamese)
Refugee Orientation Handbook (Cambodian edition)
United States Map (National Geological Survey)
A Guide to Two Cultures: Indochinese
American
(English/Vietnamese)
Compares and contrasts cultural attitudes and
behavior of the two cultures
"Dear New Immigrant"
(English/Vietnamese)
Letter explaining the legal assistance "hotline"
and program for Indochinese refugees
New Life
(English/Vietnamese/Cambodian)
Monthly trilingual newsletter
We, the Asian Americans
(Vietnamese)
A statistical profile of Asian immigrants in the
United States
Finding Your Way
(English/Vietnamese/Cambodian)
Lists federal services available to Indochinese
refugees
English/Vietnamese Dictionary
Information for Sponsors of Indochinese Refugees
(Vietnamese translation of Publications 1 & 2)
The Americans
(Cambodian edition of "A Guide to Two Cultures")
We, the Asian Americans
(Cambodian translation)
Refugee Orientation Handbook (Laotian edition)
A Guide to Two Cultures
(Laotian)
Finding Your Way
(Laotian)
English-Lao/Lao-English Dictionary
Approximately 750 letters are received each week by the
publications unit, usually in response to information
printed in the newsletter. The unit works on refugee
matters in liaison with the HEW Offices of the Assistant
Secretary for Public Affairs and of the Assistant Secretary
for Legislation.
HEW has a contract with the American Red Cross to share the
costs of a family locator service for refugees. This
service had been provided by the Red Cross previously under
a contract with the Interagency Task Force. The Red Cross
performs this function as part of its normal programs, but
because of the extraordinary volume the federal government
agreed to share costs. At present, a Red Cross staff of
38, most of them Indochinese reply to inquiries received
from many sources -- refugees, the Congress and foreign
Red Cross societies. A computer terminal has been installed
and use was made of additional government computer facilities
to search for family members.
From August 1975 through May 14, 1976, 12,750 inquiries
were received and 47,700 names registered in the master
index. The rate of success of location is about 60%.
Seventy-five percent of the inquiries concern location
and the rest family reunions.
Many inquiries represent hours of time-consuming search,
cross referencing and correspondence to Red Cross
chapters to obtain permission to release addresses.
Because of the number of identical names, letters must
frequently go to several chapters for search. Replies
to inquiries forwarded to third countries are often
delayed or never arrive at all. The most frequent
contacts with foreign Red Cross societies are Hong Kong,
Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Norway, the Philippines,
Japan and Indonesia. Inquiries to Thailand have been
stopped because of inadequate records from the Red Cross
representative in Thailand to complete verification of
sponsor relationship for refugees who will soon be
joining relatives here. Work progresses smoothly, with
the Vietnamese staff well trained and disciplined. Their
attentiveness to duty may be partially attributed to
identification with the problems of new Americans and an
eagerness to be helpful to their countrymen.
The volume of new inquiries remains high after eight
months of operation. The April volume of incoming and
outgoing correspondence totaled 3, 150 letters and wires.
Red Cross chapters respond positively to requests for
search and verification of identity and are eager to
help refugees in their communities. Many reunions have
been effected, lost children found and husbands and wives
reunited. The following letters attest to the meaning
of this service to separated families:
Dear Sir,
I would like to express my appreciation to
you in locating my two brothers with their
families. Now I get in touch with them
and know their families living at the U.S.A.
with safety. It's also a great happiness
for me, because you help us to reunite our
families.
Thank you for your help.
Dear Sir,
I came here after the Communist takeover of
South Vietnam. I was separated from my
family on the way to escaped the Communists.
Since my arrived at Refugee Camp in Guam and
Camp Pendleton, I have been trying to locate
any members of my family who might have
escaped from Vietnam. I have asked locator
in camps, month after month, nothing came
up, and I have left camp.
After leaving camp I continue to search for
my family through American Red Cross. Finally
I learned through your organization that you
had located my family now living in Maryland,
they are sponsor by LIRS and in good shape.
I am SO excited to receive this news.
I would like to use this letter to express
all my thanks to you and all of your staff
members.
Dear Gentlemen:
I wish to express my gratitude for all the
Red Cross people who are working so hard
to help the Vietnamese refugees in locating
their relatives.
Thanks to your effort I have been in contact
with my sister-in-law after being separated
since the time we left our country.
HEW also maintains a contract with the Young Lawyers
Section of the American Bar Association, providing
legal assistance to refugees, and access to toll-free
telephone service to obtain it.
Activity increased rapidly during the period from
March 22 to April 30. ABA received 140 new calls as
compared with the 260 received during the period from
August 1, 1975 when the program was initiated, and
March 22. The 140 calls do not include many which
ABA referred directly to other agencies, such as INS,
VOLAGS, and HEW Regional Offices.
In many instances where states are inundated with
requests for assistance, ABA has referred certain
cases directly to legal aid societies, public defenders
or legal referral services. Such cases include
personal injury where a contingency fee is involved, or
law suits.
During this period, there have been 60 cases concluded.
A case is considered concluded when contact has been
made between the client and his lawyer. ABA hopes,
in the future, to be able to get a better idea of the
extent to which a lawyer has gone to assist a client.
For reasons of confidentiality, ABA is not allowed to
ask for details of the case, only time spent and out-
come.
Attorneys are only expected to answer refugees' legal
questions and perhaps give them advice, but in some
cases, attorneys have handled the entire matter for
the client without fee.
One Texas attorney spent a considerable amount of
time at the hospital where a client's little boy had
been taken after an accident. He explained the doctor's
report and fees incurred, helped the refugee to communicate
his desires to the hospital, and in general calmed the
father's fears. In the end, the attorney concluded the
matter by settling outside of court and getting the
insurance company to pay for all the costs.
Many attorneys have been quick to answer emergency calls
and see the matter through even though there were no
fees involved.
The majority of cases handled concern:
(1) Establishing valid documents (affidavits)
for verification of correct name, date of
birth, marriage, death, on I-94 forms,
(2) Divorces from lost spouses,
(3) Child custody and establishing legal guardian-
ships,
(4) Disputes over personal rights and freedoms,
and monies withheld by sponsors,
(5) Broken contracts, especially in car deals and
termination of employment,
(6) Landlord-tenant disputes,
(7) Traffic violations and accidents,
(8) Setting up businesses,
(9) Writing wills and setting up probates.
Though the number of volunteer attorneys is also increasing,
the program is continually in need of more lawyers. There-
fore, ABA has launched a new wave of publicity this month
with articles in legal publications:
"Affiliate," "Barrister" and "American Bar News"; in
Vietnamese publications all over the country, including
"New Life"; and a one-hour TV show sponsored by HEW.
The program to date appears to have been very effective,
not only through our statistics, but also through comments
of appreciation made by sponsors, refugees, lawyers, HEW
refugee assistance coordinators, and other agencies.
INDOCHINESE REFUGEE LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Chairman - Phase II: Refugee Hotline
Lance Billingsley
(301) 699-5800
Suite 400, Bershire Bldg.
6801 Kenilworth Ave.
Riverdale, MD 20840
Chairman-Phase III: Assistance to IndoChinese Lawyers
Edward W. Hieronymus
(213) 620-1120
611 West Sixth St.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Program Administrator
Christine Ann Herlinger
(312) 947-3855
1155 East 60th St.
Chicago, IL 60637
Project YLS-ABA Staff Liaison
Shan Cronk
(312) 947-3854
1155 East 60th St.
Chicago, IL 60637
ABA-YLS Chairman
R. William Ide, III
(404) 522-1641
822 Fulton Federal Bldg.
Atlanta, GA 30303
ABA-YLS Vice-Chairman
Daniel J. Piliero, II
(202) 755-1390
500 North Capital St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549
REGIONAL OFFICES
The Refugee Assistance staffs of the ten Regional Offices of
HEW continued their work of visiting and meeting with refugees,
voluntary and govenmental agencies, and private groups.
Generally, the aim of these contacts has been to pinpoint
problem areas, propose plans to meet the problems, and to
muster resources for a coordinated attack on the obstacles to
refugee resettlement.
While the overall problems of underemployment and adult
deficiency in English language continue, the manifestations of
these problems vary with different areas depending on whether
refugees are concentrated or isolated, the amount and kind of
resources available from public and private sources, and the
degree of activity of State, local voluntary, and other private
groups or organizations.
The Regional Offices have been granted small sums by HEW to
use at their discretion as seed money to stimulate and
inaugurate projects which are judged to represent effective
efforts towards aiding the refugees or "helping them to help
themselves." A significant development noted in all regions
is the growth of such refugee self-help groups. The growth and
effectiveness of these groups is seen as an important part of
the next phase of refugee resettlement - when outside support
is no longer available.
Employment: It is now well established that once refugees find
suitable employment they tend to be stable, dependable workers.
However, the main problem facing the refugees is still that of
meaningful employment. This problem is complicated by a depressed
job market in some areas. A number of the severely underemployed
or jobless refugees seem to migrate from one part of the country
to another in search of more desirable living conditions.
The Regional Offices are identifying sources of job opportunities;
initiating negotiations with CETA prime sponsors, with technical
schools, and non-profit institutions in the business of job
training, for example, Opportunities Industrialization Centers -
as well as providing technical assistance to the voluntary
resettlement agencies.
Language Deficiencies: Experience has confirmed the direct
relationship between poor communicative skills and the continual
unemployment and underemployment that plagues the refugee popula-
tion. While some adult education classes are functioning well,
others, especially night classes, are hampered by the chronic
transportation problems many refugees face. To help overcome
these problems, half a dozen State governments have translated
- 2 -
their driver manuals into Vietnamese.
Some Regions have developed special plans for meeting the language
problem, using their seed money to stimulate universities,
voluntary agencies, and States to attack the adult language
problem more intensively. The education of elementary and
secondary children appears not to be a significant problem.
Reports from teachers about refugee childrens' progress in class
are uniformly favorable. Although resources, including knowledge
of how to teach English as a second language, are sometimes scarce
in rural areas where refugees are scattered widely, the children
appear to be picking up English from their teachers and peers
and are adapting well to the U.S. educational system.
Public Cash Assistance: Generally, the number of refugees on
cash assistance has increased somewhat - more in certain areas
with larger concentrations of refugees in urban communities.
Local public agency representatives and resettlement agencies
report that the continually growing secondary migration into
certain States contributed substantially to the expanded public
cash assistance caseload.
The practices of the States toward the refugees' needs vary. Some
attempt to marshal local resources, using cash assistance as a
last resort. Other States are developing plans, in cooperation
with voluntary agencies and HEW, to assist the refugees to become
economically self-sufficient. A two-State area developed a plan
for stimulating the growth of local mini-task forces with a
specific objective of identifying all refugees on public assistance,
interviewing them, and seeking to place them in jobs.
All HEW Regional Offices are committed to the national objective
of reducing the number of refugees on welfare by 50% by October 1,
1976. A recent issuance by the Director of the HEW Refugee Task
Force in Washington aims at explaining to refugees the problems
inherent in long-range reliance on public assistance and encourages
refugees to become self-supporting as quickly as possible. The
statement on public cash assistance has been printed in Vietnamese
and Cambodian for wide distribution.
HEW REGIONAL OFFICES
Refugee Assistance Coordinators
REGION I
Ed O'Connell
Room 2411, HEW Regional Office
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
Government Center
Boston, MA 02203
(617) 223-5184
REGION II
Mel Chatman
Room 3835 HEW Regional Office
26 Federal Plaza
New York, N.Y. 10007
(212) 264-3618
REGION III
Ed Sprague
Room 5027, HEW Regional Office
3535 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19101
(215) 596-6615
REGION IV
Terry Barker
Room 434, HEW Regional Office
50 Seventh Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30323
(404) 526-5106
REGION V
Hiroshi Kanno
35th Floor, HEW Regional Office
300 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 353-1675
REGION VI
William Crawford
Room 935, HEW Regional Office
1200 Main Tower Building
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 655-3338
REGION VII
Jerry Nell
Room 607, HEW Regional Office
601 East 12th Street
Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 374-3687
REGION VIII
Gene Ewing
10th Floor, HEW Regional Office
1961 Stout Street
Denver, co 80202
(303) 837-2831
REGION IX
John Ford
Room 480, HEW Regional Office
Federal Office Building
50 Fulton Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 556-8582
REGION X
Joe Langlois
Room 6090, HEW Regional Office
Arcade Plaza
1321 Second Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 442-1290
MEMORANDUM
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
TO
:
HEW Regional Directors
DATE: March 15, 1976
VOLAG Regional and Local Offices
and Affiliates
FROM
: Signatories Below
SUBJECT: Indo-Chinese Refugee Assistance Program - Strategy and Objectives
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this memorandum is to establish a strategy
and an objective for the domestic resettlement phase of the
Indo-Chinese Assistance Program.
II. BACKGROUND
With the closing of the last Refugee Resettlement Center,
the role of the Federal Government and Resettlement Agencies
has shifted from sponsorship and placement to the domestic
aspects of resettlement. The Indo-Chinese refugees, as with
all new immigrants, are eager to become productive members of
their adoptive society. Our mission is to have a positive
and supportive impact and to provide maximum assistance in the
early stages of resettlement.
In assessing progress made by the Indo-Chinese since they
have departed from the Reception Centers to various sponsorship
arrangements, it is apparent that problems are emerging which
have the potential to impede their long term resettlement, and
to which our collective resources should be channelled. The
following data specifically illustrates the nature of these
problems.
A. Cash Assistance Rolls
In December 1975, 8,705 Indo-Chinese refugee cases involv-
ing 23,768 individuals were on Cash Assistance. As of this
February, 11,835 refugee cases involving 31,189 individuals
were receiving Cash Assistance. Each case represents a
potentially employable adult since children and Supplemental
Security Income (SSI) recipients are not included in the case
count. (Attachment A). A telephone survey of a sample com-
posed of 1,400 Indo-Chinese refugee head of households com-
prising a total of 7,500 individuals indicates that about 20%
of the refugee families out of the reception centers 6 months
or more are receiving Cash Assistance, as compared to 10% of
those out less than that time.
-2-
Figures for a large Standard Metropolitan Statistical
Area (SMSA) with a high concentration of Indo-Chinese
refugees indicate something further. Of the refugeees
receiving cash assistance, only a very small number
of individuals (less that 1% of the cash assistance
caseload) were receiving any form of supportive social
services. This suggests, that in some instances the
refugees are being put on the cash assistance rolls
and left to their own devices with regard to moving
toward self-sufficiency.
B. Employment Status
The telephone survey mentioned above shows that
79% of male refugees surveyed, 16 years or older, were
in the labor force, and 21% were not in the labor force.
Of those in the labor force, 82% were employed, and 18%
were unemployed but seeking work. Approximately 40% of
the females, 16 years or older, were in the labor force,
70% were employed and 30% were unemployed but seeking work.
When refugees from the sample survey were asked to
indicate why they were not in the labor force, 34%
indicated that they were in school and 19% indicated
that they were not seeking employment because they could
not speak English. It is significant that a large number
of those refugees not contained in the labor force are either
attempting to improve themselves and their job marketability
by attending school or they feel their language disabilities
impede their access to the labor market.
III. CONCLUSIONS
The picture that emerges when the employment and
assistance data are analyzed suggests that the refugee
population is one which has a strong work ethic. A high
percentage of Indo-Chinese refugees are in the labor force.
The high number of youth and females in the labor force
further indicates the strong desire among all members of
refugee families to become self-supporting.
The specific refugee problem areas discussed herein
suggest that the basis for successful resettlement is
self-sufficiency through employment. The principle
ingredients necessary to attain employment are English
speaking ability and marketable job skills. It is
important to recognize that the acquisition of these prereq-
uisites to self-sufficiency may not happen unless refugees
receive continued assistance from HEW, resettlement agencies,
and sponsors.
- 3 -
It is safe to assume that if the opportunity to acquire
these skills is not made available in the next three to six
months then the high level of willingness to strive for self-
sufficiency among the Indo-Chinese will be discouraged by a
dependency inducing welfare environment.
IV. A STRATEGY FOR MORE EFFECTIVE REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT
We therefore propose a strategy that will specifically
focus on identifying potentially employable adult refugees
currently recipients, or in immenent danger of becoming
recipients of cash assistance payments and assist them to
find employment and employment enhancing services to help
them to vacate or stay away from the welfare roles.
The conclusions reached above and budget constraints
demand a short-term job development program coupled with a
part-time or after work English language and vocational
training program. This strategy is based on the following
assumptions:
- that there are many potentially employable adult
refugees currently on Public Cash Assistance rolls.
- with an intensive job finding effort many of the
above can be placed in jobs immediately.
- with additional work related English language
training and short-term vocational and on the job
training many more could be placed in jobs in a
short period of time.
- that existing local Adult Continuing Education and
Post Secondary Occupational Programs should be able
to respond to this need.
- that all existing resources at the local level should
be mobilized to do this job by channelling and coord-
inating the manpower and resources toward this common
objective.
Attachments B, C, and D to this paper are suggested
approaches to providing job development activities, English
language training, and vocational and occupational education
programs. We will be providing more detailed and specific
information in these areas as it is developed.
- 4 -
V. OBJECTIVE
Our objective is to achieve a significant shift of numbers
of Indo-Chinese refugees from Cash Assistance rolls to employ-
ment and self-sufficiency. Specifically, the national objective
is to reduce the number of cases on cash assistance by fifty per-
cent (50%) by October 1, 1976. To do this we must reduce the
cases on cash assistance by approximately 6,000 nationally.
VI. REGIONAL PLANS
In order to achieve the overall objective, the active leader-
ship and participation of HEW Regional Offices is needed. Each
HEW Regional Office should jointly develop a plan, along with
respective states and local VOLAG's, indicating the decrease
in the number of cases on cash assistance they believe they can
attain by October 1, 1976. The plan should outline the specific
actions and activities to be taken, on a monthly basis, in order
to reach the caseload decrease. Regional Plans should be com-
pleted and submitted to the HEW Refugee Task Force no later than
April 23, 1976.
Charlas
Charles Sternberg
Lawrence L. McDonough
Executive Director
Acting Director
International Rescue Committee
HLW Task Force
John W. Schauer
E. McCarthy
Director, Migration and
Director, Migration and
Refugee Program,
Refugee Services,
Church World Service
U.S. Catholic Conference
Received wonder
Ingrid Walter
Gatynor I. Jacobson
Executive Jam Vice-President
Acting Director
Lutheran Immigration
HIAS, Inc.
and Refugee Service
70
Wells 100 Klein
William Thoma
Executive Director
Executive Director
Tolstoy Foundation
American Council for
Nationalities Services
Jan Papanek
President
Wayne Hinricks
American Fund for
Executive Director
Czechoslovak Refugees
Travelers AID/
International Social
Services
Attachment A
CASH ASSISTANCE CASES INDOCHINA REFUGEES
Number of cases
Number of cases
Percentage
on cash
on cash
Increase
assistance
assistance
or
State
December 1, 1975
February 29, 1976
Decrease
REGION I
Connecticut
26
64
+ 146%
Maine
17
19
+ 12
Massachusetts
139
152
+ 9
New Hampshire
7
6
- 14
Rhode Island
13
20
+ 54
Vermont
12
10
- 17
214
271
+ 27%
REGION II
New York
97
211
+ 118%
New Jersey
133
189
+ 42
Puerto Rico
N/R
N/R
N/R
230
400
+ 74%
REGION III
Delaware
6
11
+ 83%
Maryland
232
335
+ 44
Pennsylvania
145
351
+ 142
Virginia
350
311
- 11
W. Virginia
27
24
- 11
Dist. of Col.
132
171
+ 30
892
1203
+ 35%
REGION IV
Alabama
35
32
- 9%
Florida
253
462
+ 83
Georgia
44
59
+ 34
Kentucky
155
183
+ 18
Mississippi
6
9
+ 50
N. Carolina
56
80
+ 43
S. Carolina
8
18
+ 125
Tennessee
0
18
- -
557
861
+ 55%
REGION V
Illinois
190
409
+ 115 %
Indiana
110
164
+ 49
Michigan
219
414
+ 89
Minnesota
71
125
+ 76
Ohio
207
160
- 23
Wisconsin
49
96
+ 96
846
1368
+
62%
2.
Number of cases
Number of cases
Percentage
on cash
on cash
Increase
State
assistance
assistance
or
December 1, 1975
February 29,1976
Decrease
REGION VI
Arkansas
21
34
+ 62%
Louisiana
31
56
+ 81
New Mexico
30
32
+ 7
Oklahoma
34
149
+ 338
Texas
272
538
+ 98
388
809
+ 1099
REGION VII
Iowa
97
163
+ 68%
Kansas
60
100
+ 67
Missouri
56
166
+ 196
Nebraska
46
74
+ 61
259
503
+ 94%
REGION VIII Colorado
137
255
+ 86%
Montana
13
10
- 23
N. Dakota
8
20
+ 150
S. Dakota
5
13
+ 160
Utah
28
29
+
4
Wyoming
5
5
0
196
332
+ 69%
REGION IX Arizona
8
8
0%
California
3230
4102
+ 27
Hawaii
377
471
+ 25
Nevada
61
127
+ 108
Guam
N/A
N/A
N/A
Samoa
N/R
N/R
N/R
3676
4708
+ 28%
REGION X
Alaska
2
1
- 50%
Idaho
11
12
+ 9
Oregon
379
454
+ 20
Washington
1055
932
- 12
1447
1399
-
3%
)TALS:
8705
11854
+ 36%
N/A = Not Available
N/R = No Report
ATTACHMENT B
JOB DEVELOPMENT
It may be that in each community a somewhat unique program
approach will be adopted to meet special local needs and
conditions. The constant, however, in all areas will be job
development and placement.
Job development, defined for these purposes, is not seen as
a complex, administratively cumbersome activity. It is leg
work, persistence and coordination of effort. "Everyone a
Job Developer" is most appropriate for this effort.
The objective of the job development effort should be, at a
minimum, placement of employable individuals in jobs which
will probably be entry-level, minimum wage positions and should
be seen as a first step. Where possible, career-oriented em-
ployment, matching Indo-Chinese refugee skills to labor market
needs, should be secured.
Where job placement is not directly attainable, alternatives
for related training should be sought out. Any training
programs that may be developed should be directly related to
and support attainment of the job development and placement
objective. For example, any language training provided should
be job-related; any retraining or counselling provided should
take into consideration the existing labor market and jobs
available. Training could involve three levels:
a. Train toward entry into career-level, permanent jobs
for those who have transferable skills and fair
language, but who require specialized language (jargon, etc)
licensing, or minor skill upgrading.
b. Vocational testing, credential assistance, counselling,
and specialized intensive training for those with good
employment background and/or good English but who have
non-transferable skills - as career military, generalized
civil servant, etc. Train, possibly, for bank tellers,
retail sales, bench assembly, etc., depending on job
market.
C. Survival English and skills for those presently
unemployable (no English. no skills) for possible positions
in gas stations, janitorial services, maintenance, security,
etc.
While it is obvious that different localities will necessarily
utilize different approaches to meet the objective herein, there
are certain necessities for any community.
-2-
First it is critically important that local resettlement
agencies and sponsors of refugees take a primary role in
continuing to assist the Indo-Chinese. Whatever means
sponsors are able to use to find jobs for the Indo-Chinese -
whether it be introducing refugees to potential providers
of jobs - are important to and consistent with the thrust of
this job development effort.
Second, resources and information should be shared and
coordinated among all parties involved in this effort. In
areas of high population and corresponding refugee concentration
this is particularly important, because there are many different
elements available to strengthen job development efforts -
State Employment Service, Federal Executive Boards, Regional
Offices, National Voluntary Agency local affiliates; other
resettlement agencies; units and programs of local or State
government; local self-help organizations; business and labor
organizations; churches and volunteer organizations; and, of
course, refugees themselves.
The implications of this sharing, coordinating approach are that
the requisite skills to move refugees into employment do exist
and that no new "layer" of program development is needed other
than that of mobilizing these skills and sharing knowledge of
what all involved are doing respectively.
In areas of dispersal, a concentrated mobilization of resources may
not be practical or possible. But, again, there are programmatic
approaches that have been taken previously, and the use of
community agencies with their outreach capabilities or volunteers
to provide supportive services should be explored.
Attachment C
English Language Training
For refugees who speak no English, language training is a
prerequisite for obtaining employment. Fortunately, English-as-a-
second-language (ESL) instruction is available in most localities -
offered by either the local school district or the community college
as a part of the Adult Education Program. Information concerning
local ESL opportunities can be obtained from the local school
superintendent's office.
In areas of high concentrations of refugees, it is recommended
that special, intensive ESL classes be established for Indochinese
refugees which are coupled with or followed by vocational or on-the-job
training. In some States funds authorized under the Indochina
Migration and Refugee Assistance Act may still be available from
the State to support the ESL instruction for adults. In other States
and localities, these funds may already be depleted, in which case
the refugees should be enrolled in existing adult education courses.
For a refugee who speaks no English, to arrive at a level of
English proficiency adequate to get along on the job about 250 hours
of ESL instruction will be required. The average cost of this
instruction is approximately $1.30 per hour.
In areas where refugees are less concentrated or even isolated
so that formal class instruction can not be provided, it is possible
to obtain ESL tapes and printed materials to be used by the refugees
with the assistance of volunteer tutors. In this case, the volunteer
tutors should participate in an inservice training program. Such
training can be provided either by the State Department of Education
or by one of the five Regional Bilingual Centers funded by HEW.
Information concerning appropriate tapes and materials can also be
obtained from these two sources. Funds authorized under the
Indochinese Migration and Refugee Assistance Act and set aside for
ESL training for adults may be used to purchase the materials.
Attachment D
Occupational/Vocational Training
Opportunities for enrolling in occupational/vocational and
continuing education courses for the refugees will, of course,
depend to a great extent upon what Federal, State and community
resources are available to provide such instruction.
In many cases in both large and small communities refugees can
be enrolled in courses operated by local educational agencies,
community and/or junior colleges and vocational education schools.
The respective administrators of these institutions should be
contacted for information relative to refugee enrollment. Fees
for such courses are usually reasonable enough so that it is possible
when Federal, State and other sources of funding are not available
that volunteer agencies associated with the refugees, or sponsors
may be able to help pay the tuition required. There are no special
Federal funds set aside for the vocational education of adult
Indochinese refugees.
Each State education agency has a director of vocational
education who can provide either information on course offerings
in cities and communities throughout the State, or the name of the
person to contact in a particular locale.
In the public school system, adult vocational education
programs are administered by the superintendent of schools.
Most large cities also have a vocational education director who
is responsible for the administration of the program and who can
provide information about course offerings. Large schools often
have their own directors of vocational education. Any one of
these officials may be contacted to discuss the individual needs
of refugees in relation to vocational training opportunities available
In rural or more isolated areas or in any place where full scale
vocational training opportunities are more difficult to locate, it
may be possible for refugees to enroll in high school vocational
training courses during the day or evening if State law permits.
In such cases the appropriate person to contact for more information
would be the local superintendent of schools.
These courses are usually offered in the afternoons and
evenings. A variety of courses are offered which would be of
value to refugees and some of the courses could provide the refugee
with skills within six or eight weeks of intensive training which
would enable him/her to obtain employment. The cost of providing
occupational and vocational training in this manner would average
about $2.00 per instructional hour for each refugee participating
in the program. This figure is based upon class size of from
10-15 refugees. In areas of concentration of refugees special
classes could be designed to include only Indo-Chinese. Refugees in
isolated areas will have to participate in existing training programs.
SOCIAL AND REHABILITATION SERVICE
A. Policy -- Unaccompanied Children
An Action Transmittal (SRS-AT-76-62, April 14, 1976)
was issued by the Social and Rehabilitation Service providing
for followup visits by State/local public child welfare
agencies to unaccompanied Indochinese refugee children.
The purpose of the visits, to be conducted at six-month
intervals or more frequently if appropriate, is twofold:
(1) To collect up-to-date information on the location and
legal status of the children; and (2) to determine how the
child is getting along and to provide services when necessary.
A master list of unaccompanied children will be compiled and
maintained.
For the purpose of followup, an unaccompanied refugee
child is defined as one under age 18 who left the reception
center without adult relatives and: (1) was resettled with
an unrelated Indochinese family; (2) was placed in foster
care (foster family, group home, or child care institution) ;
or (3) was resettled to a sponsoring family, usually American.
B. Geographic Distribution of Unaccompanied Children
A total of 728 children have been identified for followup
visits, 645 of whom fall into the categories indicated above.
The other 83 are children who were resettled with distant
relatives who may need assistance with temporary guardianship
or legal custody arrangements.
The location of the children, by State, is shown in the
table which follows.
LOCATION OF UNACCOMPANIED INDOCHINESE REFUGEE CHILDREN,
BY STATE*
No. of
No. of
State
Children
State
Children
Alabama
1
New Jersey
3
Alaska
2
New Mexico
3
Arizona
4
New York
9
Arkansas
37
North Carolina
7
California
168
North Dakota
1
Colorado
8
Ohio
9
Connecticut
11
Oklahoma
10
Delaware
0
Oregon
18
District of Col
2
Pennsylvania
107
Florida
61
Rhode Island
0
Georgia
3
South Carolina
4
Hawaii
3
South Dakota
0
Idaho
0
Tennessee
3
GERALD R. FORD
Illinois
16
Texas
23
Indiana
4
Utah
7
Iowa
20
Vermont
7
Kansas
13
Virginia
10
Kentucky
3
Washington
18
Louisiana
22
West Virginia
1
Maine
0
Wisconsin
5
Maryland
4
Wyoming
0
Massachusetts
4
Michigan
30
Guam
1
Minnesota
27
Mississippi
0
TOTAL
728
Missouri
19
Montana
9
Nebraska
6
Nevada
5
New Hampshire
0
*
Based on initial placement from reception centers.
C.
BABY LIFT
On April 30, 1976, the United States District Court for
the Northern District of California denied the plaintiffs'
motion to continue to refuse the processing of immediate
relative classification petitions (I-600 forms) pending
an appeal. Consequently, the Immigration and Naturalization
Service (INS) is now processing such petitions. Also, the
Attorney General has notified State Attorneys General that
he has rescinded his request to halt or delay adoption of
"Baby Lift" children.
D.
Financial and Medical Assistance
Of the total of 128,186 refugees released into the
United States following completion of the resettlement
operation,
, or
percent, were receiving cash as-
sistance as of June 1, 1976.
The trend in terms of the proportion of refugees re-
ceiving cash assistance has been as follows:
Percent Receiving
Date
Cash Assistance
September 2, 1975
14.7%
December 1, 1975
19.2%
February 29, 1976
24.3%
June 1, 1976
%
The following table represents reports from the States
on the number of cases and persons receiving financial and
medical assistance as of June 1, 1976.
TABLE ON
WELFARE DATA
TO BE PROVIDED
JUNE 15
E.
California Special English Language and Vocational
Training Program
In March, HEW Task Force and Regional Office staff,
Voluntary Resettlement Agency national leadership and
California-based affiliates, and California State, County
and local public offficials met to discuss cash assistance
data received from the State. The discussions revealed
that substantial numbers of refugees receiving cash
assistance in California were adults who could be expected
to become employed upon receipt of job-related English
language training and vocational training designed to
permit the transfer of skills previously acquired in Indochina.
Steps were taken, therefore, to make available to California
$2 million from funds allocated to the Social and Rehabilitation
Service under the Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance
Act of 1975. These funds will cover the costs of mounting
a project to provide the training to increase the employ-
ability of refugees. The State Department of Health,
Social Services Division, has made application for the funds
and will receive them by special project grant.
The proposed project will provide English as a second
language (ESL) and/or vocational training for employable
refugees who are currently cash assistance recipients, or
in imminent danger of becoming recipients of cash assistance
to help them become independent and self-supporting. The
breakdown of funds to be allocated is as follows:
Los Angeles
$1,011,780
San Diego
422,440
San Francisco
365,640
Orange
200,140
$2,000,000
Initial project planning is underway at the state level,
and county projects are being developed with the assistance
of HEW personnel, Voluntary Resettlement Agency locally-
based staff, county staffs and local community organizations.
A common feature of the planning in Los Angeles and San
Francisco Counties is development of language and vocational
services programs to be conducted by local education insti-
tutions -- school districts in Los Angeles County and
community colleges in San Francisco County. In addition,
plans in Los Angeles County call for a component to place
job-ready refugees, as well as refugees in need of training
once they have completed the training.
The project is expected to provide training and services
for approximately 3,000 employable refugees.
F.
Additional Projects
Plans are underway to encourage other States to develop
additional projects which will share the objectives of the
California project - to reduce the need for federally-
financed assistance to refugees and to enable them to become
self-supporting. The funding authority will be based on the
numbers of refugees receiving financial assistance, and the
target populations for provision of project services will
be the same as the one in California. (It is anticipated
that additional funds will be made available under this
program to provide services to Indochinese in counties
other than the four high-impact counties in California
previously mentioned.)
Guidelines for the provision of project funding and the
development of State projects within each HEW Region are
being developed. It is expected that each HEW Regional
office, State, County and local officials and representa-
tives, local community organizations and the Indochinese
themselves will participate in planning and implementation.
Projects will emphasize direct job placement wherever
possible, with English and/or vocational training where
needed to help assure stable, continuing employment.
Vocational training will emphasize short-term courses based
on a refugee's existing skills, to enable the transfer of
such skills to the job market.
MEMORANDUM
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
TO
:
VOLAG Regional and Local Offices
DATE: May 17, 1976
and Affiliates
State and Local Resettlement Directors
FROM :
Acting Director
HEW Refugee Task Force
SUBJECT:
Statement on Public Cash Assistance
I recently forwarded to you a memorandum outlining a
national policy direction to meet the objective of
reducing the number of refugees receiving cash assis-
tance by fifty percent by October 1, 1976. In addi-
tion to mobilizing the local education, employment,
and social services agencies to meet this objective,
I believe we should share with the Indo-Chinese
information concerning the use of cash assistance and
welfare in our country. To that end we included an
article in the April issue of New Life "Doi Song Moi"
on this subject. Enclosed in this letter is a similar
statement on cash assistance, in English, Vietnamese,
and Cambodian.
Lawrence L. McDonough
Enclosure
cc: VOLAG Executive Directors
HEALTH
DELICATION.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
USA
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20201
STATEMENT ON PUBLIC CASH ASSISTANCE
The basis for successful resettlement is self-sufficiency,
and a large percentage of the refugees from Indochina are
succeeding in their efforts to become self-supporting.
Many have taken jobs below their capacities; many women
and young people are working; and in many households both
the husband and wife are employed.
But there are about 12,000 refugee heads of families or
individuals who--for a variety of reasons--are receiving
public cash assistance, or welfare as it is popularly
called.
Among them are many persons who, with an intensive job-
finding effort, could be employed immediately, and others
who could be employed soon if they had additional work-
related English language training, part-time or after
work vocational training, or on-the-job training. By
attempting to help with these kinds of programs in each
community, VolAg's and the federal government hope to
reduce by one-half the number of refugees receiving public
cash assistance by October 1, 1976. The success of this
objective will depend on refugees, sponsors, VolAgs,
and state and local education and employment services.
What is the role of the refugee in carrying out this
objective?
First, it may help if the refugee understands what
welfare is, who it is for, and what its advantages and
disadvantages are.
Welfare is cash money given by the government to needy
individuals who are unable to find work or who are,
perhaps, female heads-of-households with dependent
children or old people. If you are currently receiving
cash assistance (welfare) but are now employed, the law
requires that you report your earnings to the welfare
department. People receiving public cash assistance must
be registered with the employment agency and must accept
"suitable" employment that the agency finds. "Suitable"
employment means work that the person is physically or
mentally able to do. It means that the work site is
accessible by foot, by bus or by other appropriate
conveyance. It does not mean that the work must be
within one's preferred or primary occupation. For
example, in recent years many Americans with advanced degrees
have had to accept jobs below their qualifications.
Many Indo-Chinese refugees currently receiving public
assistance would not be eligible if they were United States
citizens. The federal government has created a special
category for refugees that makes it possible for refugees
in some circumstances to receive welfare temporarily.
When these special funds are expended, the states will
apply the same criteria for refugees as they do for all
other needy Americans. Thus, if a refugee is receiving
public assistance but is able to work, he may be better
off finding a job now.
There are other practical reasons for working at a job,
as opposed to receiving cash assistance. The very fact
of working, no matter what the job, should put the
refugee in a situation which will help him--indeed, will
force him--to learn English. The very fact of being with
Americans, in a day-to-day situation, could help him
adjust more easily to a new culture.
Long periods of unemployment without good reason are
difficult to explain to a prospective employer. He
will want to see references--papers that attest to
good performance of duty--and he will prefer recent
references from American employers in the United States;
even good references for jobs performed for the US
government in Indochina are of increasingly limited value.
An employer can easily understand why a person exiled from
his country may accept employment below his usual
capabilities, but long periods of unemployment are not
so easily explained.
One point that might be mentioned here, is that if a
refugee is working and wants to get a better job, he
should not give up the one he has until he has found
another. This job switching often hurts chances for
long term employment. Also, a refugee should think
-2-
very carefully before moving from a community where he
has a house and a job to a new community where he may
be able to find neither.
FORD
is
The money used for welfare comes from taxes paid by
people who are working--not just Americans but aliens
GERALD
LIBRARY
of all nationalities, including Indo-Chinese. Able-
bodied people who remain on welfare too long can easily
lose the sympathies of these workers who feel that part
of their hard-earned income is taken from them to support
others who could work but are not willing to.
It has often been said that the United States is a nation
of immigrants and refugees. And so it is. This very
fact may help explain some of the cultural differences
between the United States and many other countries whose
populations are more homogeneous. A nation of immigrants
may be quick to establish special programs, as the United
States has, to help refugees with initial resettlement.
But the historical memory and the personal experience of
Americans reminds them that many immigrant groups have
had to confront the difficult problems of resettlement
without long-term special assistance. Thus, Americans,
in expecting any group of newcomers to seek work as soon
as they can, are only expecting them to do what many in
this country have already done.
Refugees in different localities are using a variety
of approaches to solve their employment problems and
learn English at the same time. Some study at home,
perhaps with tapes made available through various
organizations. Some have American friends who help
them. Some attend night classes. The solutions are
as varied as the areas in which they live.
Refugees who are now unemployed but want to work should
contact their sponsor or voluntary agency or other
relevant local organization and ask for assistance.
Also, they should be sure to sign up at the local
employment office.
Refugees are thinking of their future by trying to
become self-supporting. The sooner a refugee is on
his own two feet, the better off his family will be.
-3-
OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Throughout the final quarter of the Task Force's activities,
the Office of Education's Refugee Assistance Task Force has
continued to administer the funds allocated for Education
programs under the Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance
Act of 1975.
During this period the last of the applications for transitional
grants to local school districts were received and finalized.
Based on the amount granted to local educational agencies
within the States, grants were provided to State Education Agencies
for leadership and technical assistance activities. Most of the
state agencies focused their efforts in support of the activities
funded by the grants to local districts to supplement English
language instruction for refugee students.
Under contracts with the U.S. Office of Education, two nationwide
information services, the Georgetown University hotline and the
Center for Applied Linguistics hotline, have continued to provide
urgently needed assistance to refugee students interested in
attending post-secondary institutions and to teachers and adminis-
trators attempting to meet the special needs of Indochinese
refugee students. These services have been extended to thousands
of individuals calling for information and materials. Practical
guidelines on English language training ranging from pre-school
age through adult have been prepared and disseminated under
contract by the Center for Applied Linguistics to thousands of
inquirers as well.
Five of the Office of Education's bilingual centers have provided
special assistance to school systems through in-service training
workshops held in cooperation with State and regional offices
for teachers and administrators and through the development and
dissemination of curriculum materials and glossaries specifically
designed for Indochinese refugees.
Provisions also have been made for the administration of Testing
of English as a Foreign Language examinations (TOEFL) for refugee
students seeking college entrance and for Credential Evaluation
and/or reconstruction for students and others needing such a
service to meet the requirements of admission to a postsecondary
institution or at the specific request of an employment institution.
Finally, the HEW Task Force is guiding a cooperative effort
between the Social Rehabilitation Service (SRS), the U.S. Office
of Education (OE), and their respective Regional Office personnel
to provide English language and vocational training to adult
refugees who are on cash assistance to greatly decrease the
numbers on those roles within the coming six months.
-2-
ADULT EDUCATION
Under the refugee program funded by HEW, $5 million dollars
was allocated to States to assist them in expanding their
adult education activities to include programs of instruction
in English language for adult Indochinese refugees. States
were invited to submit revised state Adult Education plans.
As of May 18, 1976 all state plans of those States wishing
to participate had been amended, submitted and approved.
Grants were made to States as their amended plans were approved.
Funds may be used to reimburse districts for services already
provided refugees during the current school year as well as
for continuing services under their grant for the summer and
during the next school year if necessary. Reports on these
activities are to be submitted to the U.S. Office of Education
Adult Education Division during the coming fiscal year.
Because of the growing number of adult refugees on cash assis-
tance, HEW is making available an additional $7 million dollars
to meet the special needs of adult refugees. Specifically
included in the services to be funded under this special program
are more intensive language and occupational instruction for
adult refugees who are on or are in danger of becoming enrolled
on cash assistance. These funds are to be channeled to the
States on a formula basis through the HEW Regional Offices with
close coordination between SRS and OE personnel at both the
central office and regional levels. Through this united and
intensive effort, the Task Force hopes to reduce the number of
refugees on cash assistance greatly within six months.
EDUCATION OF SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN
March 31 was the deadline for filing all initial and supplemental
applications for elementary and secondary education grants. By
April 7, 1976, 2096 applications were received and funded from
each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia and Guam.
These grants provided funds for supplementary English language
instruction for Indochinese refugee children. The amounts
granted were approximately $12 million by May, 1976. The formula
adopted for allocating the funds under this program provided $300
per student for the first 100 or 1% of the enrollment, whichever
was less, and $600 per student for the number above the threshold
level. Most districts, 1953, claimed reimbursement well below
the threshold level. In 95 districts fewer than 100 students
comprised more than 1 percent of the enrollment; 43 districts
had an enrollment of more than 100 refugee students which was
still under the 1 percent level; and in 5 districts the number
of refugee students was more than 100 and more than 1% of the
total student enrollment.
Grants equaling 5% of the total amount of grants to local educa-
tional agencies within the States have been provided to state
-3-
educational agencies for leadership and technical assistance
activities in support of the programs funded by grants to
local districts for refugees. Most of the funds received by
States are being used to support in-service training workshops
and development of materials to be used by teachers of Indo-
chinese refugee students.
POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION
Student Financial Assistance
Indochinese refugees still continue to qualify on the same
basis as American citizens for Federally funded student aid
programs such as Basic Educational Opportunity Grants and
Guaranteed Student Loans. Vietnamese and Cambodian translations
of a fact sheet explaining requirements and application procedures
continue to be distributed in response to numerous requests from
individual refugees and colleges and universities.
Several academic institutions which sponsored a group of refugee
students continue to assist them with supplemental aid from
their own resources.
Evaluation of Academic Credentials
The national credential evaluation project initiated during the
last quarter has received approximately 700 documents for evalua-
tion and/or reconstruction to date. The project directed by
Mr. George La Due, Chairman of the Inter-segmental Committee of
California Postsecondary Institutions, is assisting postsecondary
institutions in making decisions regarding admission and suitable
placement of applicant Indochinese refugee students. The service
is provided free of charge at the request of an institution on
behalf of an Indochinese refugee. The service will continue
throughout the calendar year of 1976. An estimated 5,000 may
utilize this service.
English Proficiency Tests:
The Tests for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are still
being offered free of charge to qualifying Indochinese refugee
students who have not yet taken this test. This service is being
offered through the Education Testing Service of Princeton, New
Jersey. The waiver for charges for refugees will continue to
be effective through December 31, 1976.
-4-
SUPPORT SERVICES
One of the major support services offered this quarter in
response to an overwhelming number of requests was a series of
information guidelines prepared by the Center for Applied
Linguistics. One outlined the various approaches to teaching
English as a Second Language to adult refugees. Another
included an extensive annotated bibligraphy of all available
materials useful in providing English language instruction for
adult refugees with special attention given to materials which
could be of most benefit with inexperienced or volunteer ESL
teachers.
Glossaries of various important subject areas have also been and
are continuing to be developed and disseminated for use by the
refugees and their teachers. These came out of the Center for
Applied Linguistics and the bilingual centers.
The glossaries include a complete translated index of mathematical
terms, one of scientific terms, and several projected glossaries
covering the terms from the driver's manuals of all fifty States
and a layman's medical glossary of simple medical terms to be
used to facilitate proper health care.
Workshops and similar types of in-service training continue
to be provided as support services for teachers and administrators
of refugee students. For example, 54 teachers in Berkeley met
for several days during March for a workshop on techniques of
teaching English to refugee students in a regular classroom
situation. Another 75 teachers and aides met in Grand Rapids for
several days for a similar workshop. Both of these workshops
have been cited as very productive in assisting teaching personnel
as they work with refugee students. These and scores of other
successful workshops involving hundreds of teaching personnel
and administrators are being offered through funds made available
by the Task Force to the five bilingual centers, to the state edu-
cational agencies for technical assistance, and to the Center for
Applied Linguistics.
Both the Center for Applied Linguistics and the Georgetown
University hotlines continue to provide much needed information
to refugees and teaching personnel. The Georgetown University
hotline, (800-424-2790), continued to receive approximately
800 calls per month from Vietnamese and Cambodian refugee students
concerning financial aid programs and admission procedures for
post secondary institutions. The Indochinese Clearinghouse
of the Center for Applied Linguistics hotline (800-336-3040) has
tapered off to about 50 calls per day from teachers and others
seeking assistance in their activities with Indochinese refugee
students. The tapering off of calls reflects a gradual shifting
of these inquiries to the appropriate bilingual center serving
their State for continued information and support. Members of the
staff of CAL have been gradually freed to devote more work to
collecting, analyzing and developing new materials for use with
the refugees. They also have conducted and participated in
-5-
numerous workshops during this quarter and have made major
contributions to the area of adult education for refugees
particularly by analyzing the materials available with special
emphasis on materials appropriate for use with inexperienced tea-
chers or volunteers who might be attempting to teach ESL to adult
refugees. Their work appears in the form of two sets of guide-
lines for teaching ESL to adult refugees and an annotated
bibligraphy of select materials.
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
The largest single effort which remains for the Task Force is
in the area of English Language and occupational training for
adult refugees. During the remaining days of the Task Force
every effort will be made in cooperation with the HEW Task Force
and the regional offices to target all resources available in
meeting the objective of greatly decreasing the number of adult
refugees on cash assistance within the coming six months.
EDUCATION OBLIGATIONS
through May 31, 1976
PROGRAM ACTIVITY
AMOUNT OBLIGATED
1. Language training and
$1,468,000
cultural orientation at
reception centers
2. Expanded elementary,
$2,319,000
secondary, and adult
education programs
FORD LIBRARY is GERALD
at centers
3. Transitional assistance to
$12,431,960
school districts and to
state education agencies
4. Adult education grants
$4,991,278
to States
5. Center for Applied Linguistics
$296,994
6. Bilingual Education Technical
$500,000
Assistance Centers
7. Supportive services
$220,000
(technical assistance,
postsecondary hot-line,
credentials evaluation
project)
8. Administration of program
$200,000
TOTAL
$22,427,232
EDUCATION OBLIGATIONS
through May 31, 1976
PROGRAM ACTIVITY
AMOUNT OBLIGATED
1. Language training and
$1,468,000
cultural orientation at
reception centers
2. Expanded elementary,
$2,319,000
secondary, and adult
education programs
at centers
3. Transitional assistance to
$12,431,960
school districts and to
state education agencies
4. Adult education grants
$4,991,278
to States
5. Center for Applied Linguistics
$296,994
6. Bilingual Education Technical
$500,000
Assistance Centers
7. Supportive services
$220,000
(technical assistance,
postsecondary hot-line,
credentials evaluation
project)
8. Administration of program
$200,000
TOTAL
$22,427,232
Adult Indochinese Refugee
States Receiving Additional FY 1976 Funds Under P.L. 94-23
DOLLAR
DOLLAR
STATE, BY REGION
ALLOTMENT
STATE, BY REGION
ALLOTMENT
REGION I
REGION VI
Connecticut
45,483
Arkansas
137,342
Maine
20,545
Louisiana
149,476
Massachusetts
49,503
New Mexico
38,188
New Hampshire
7,444
Oklahoma
160,567
Rhode Island
12,208
Texas
377,039
Vermont
5,434
REGION II
REGION VII
New Jersey
71,388
Iowa
93,273
New York
175,902
Kansas
67,666
Virgin Islands
223
Missouri
120,369
Nebraska
45,706
REGION III
REGION VIII
FORD is LIBRARY DERALD
Delaware
5,583
Colorado
75,036
District of Columbia
41,016
North Dakota.
16,377
Maryland
102,653
South Dakota
22,853
Pennsylvania
326,047
Utah
26,277
Virginia
173,296
Wyoming
6,179
West Virginia
9,007
REGION IV
REGION IX
Alabama
58,287
Arizona
52,852
Florida
231,062
California
1,027,644
Georgia
62,083
Hawaii
34,987
Kentucky
34,019
Nevada
14,590
Mississippi
18,312
Guam
26,203
North Carolina
53,076
South Carolina
31,786
Tennessee
41,091
REGION V
REGION X
Illinois
161,684
Alaska
3,871
Indiana
70,048
Idaho
12,208
Michigan
92,306
Oregon
73,770
Minnesota
149,029
Washington
161,684
Ohio
121,858
Wisconsin
76,748
The total amount obligated for the above submitting States is $4,991,278.
Forty-nine States, 2 Territories, and the District of Columbia have amended their
Adult Education State Plans to receive the additional funds. One State (Montana)
and one Territory (Puerto Rico) chose not to amend their Plans but instead to
absorb these additional people into their ongoing adult education programs.
CHARACTERISTICS OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS
FOR THE EDUCATION OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL AGED INDOCHINESE REFUGEE CHILDREN
TOTAL APPLICATIONS =
2,096
No. School Districts
No. School Districts
No. School Districts
No. School Districts
States
Enrolling More Than
Enrolling More Than
Enrolling More Than
Enrolling Less Than
1% But Less Than 100
1% And More Than 100
100 But Less Than 1%
100 And Less Than 1:
TOTAL
95
5
43
1953
ABAMA
0
0
0
22
ASKA
0
0
0
2
RIZONA
2
0
0
18
RKANSAS
5
1
0
28
ALIFORNIA
13
2
11
278
OLORADO
0
0
CONNECTICUT
0
or
2
24
0
47
DELAWARE
0
0
0
10
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
0
0
FLORIDA
0
0
or
1
6
23
GEORGIA
0
0
0
34
HAWAI
0
0
1
0
IDAHO
0
0
0
5
ILLINOIS
3
0
1
66
INDIANA
0
0
0
46
IOWA
8
0
0
69
KANSAS
5
0
1
35
KENTUCKY
0
0.
0
27
LOUISIANA
0
0
2
25
MAINE
0
0
0
4
MARYLAND
0
0
2
16
MASSACHUSETTS
4
0
0
34
MICHIGAN
1
0
1
58
MINNESOTA
8
0
2
104
MISSISSIPPI
0
0
0
8
MISSOURI
1
0
0
57
MONTANA
1
0
0
7
NEBRASKA
8
0
0
24
NEVADA
0
0
0
4
NEW HAMPSHIRE
0
0
0
5
NEW JERSEY
2
0
0
41
NEW MEXICO
0
0
1
4
NEW YORK
2
0
1
120
NORTH CAROLINA
0
0
0
33
NORTH DAKOTA
2
0
0
17
OHIO
0
0
0
93
OKLAHOMA
9
1
1
44
OREGON
5
0
1
49
PENNSYLVANIA
1.
a
1
158
RHODE ISLAND
0
0
0
5
SOUTH CAROLINA
0
0
0
16
SOUTH DAKOTA
2
0
0
14
TENNESSEE
0
0
0
30
TEXAS
7
0
3
51
UTAH
1
0
0
9
VERMONT
2
0
0
6
VIRGINIA
0
1
2
36
WASHINGTON
2
0
3
67
WEST VIRGINIA
0
0
0
9
WISCONSIN
1
0
0
68
WYOMING
0
0
0
2
GUAM
0
0
1
0
Amounts based on
Grants *
Grants *
5-17-76 Computer run
to LEA's
to SEA's
TOTALS
11,857,744
574,216
1. Alabama
66,600
3,330
2. Alaska
1,200
60
3. Arizona
100,500
5,025
4. Arkansas
204,900
10,245
5. California
3,166,500
158,325
6. Colorado
186,900
9,345
7. Connecticut
73,800
3,690
8. Delaware
7,200
360
9. District of Columbia
18,300
915
10. Florida
538,800
26,940
11. Georgia
115.200
5,760
12. Hawaii
335,400
16,770
13. Idaho
32,700
1,635
14. Illinois
235,425
11,770
15. Indiana
132,900
6,645
16. lown
252,000
12,600
17. Kansas
154,200
7,710
18. Kentucky
75,000
3,750
19. Louisiana
394,500
19,725
20. Maine
6,900
345
21. Maryland
369,300
18,465
22. Massachusetts
76,800
3,840
23. Michigan
165,900
8,295
24. Minresota
401,000
20,050
25. Mississippi
20,400
1,020
26. Missouri
129,600
6,480
27. Montana
12,600
630
28. Nebraska
123,300
6,165
29. Nevada
20,100
1,005
30. New Hampshire
7,200
360
31. Nev. Jersey
54,900
2,745
* Amounts of grants listed for
32. New Mexico
87,000
4,350
both LEA's and SEA's do not
3. New York
358,200
17,910
reflect amendments to their
31. North Carolina
77,400
3,870
original grants which at this
35. North Dakota
32,400
1,620
writing are still being Dro-
36. Ohio
228,900
11,445
cessed,
37. Oklahoma
364,800
18,240
38. Oregon
272,700
13,635
39. Pennsylvania
554,700
27,735
10. Rhode Island
3,000
150
11. South Carolina
53,820
2,691
4.3 South Dakota
44,200
2,210
43. Tennessee
69,300
3,465
44. Texas
717,600
35,880
15. Utah
65,400
3,270
46. Vermont
9,300
465
47. Virginia
643,500
32,175
18. Washington
448,200
22,410
49. Best Virginia
23,400
1,170
50. Wisconsin
146,100
7,305
51. Wyoming
4,800
240
52. American Samoa
53. Guam
172,800
8,640
51. Puerto Rico
55. Trust Territory
56. Virgin Islands
PHS-24-3
"FV
MI. THEET
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
Health Follow-up Study
The Center for Disease Control is conducting a study of the
nature and extent of refugee health problems and the refugees'
access to the health care system in the United States. The
survey team consists of a Public Health Advisor and a
Vietnamese physician. Selected randomly, sponsors and the
heads of refugee families are contacted in person. Question-
naires for sponsors and refugees are used with the interview.
The sites being surveyed are in three geographical areas:
Atlanta, Georgia, Ft. Smith, Arkansas, and San Diego,
California. Atlanta and San Diego were selected as urban
samples and Ft. Smith as a rural one. These three communities
also have heavy concentrations of refugees. The Atlanta
area was surveyed in March, the Ft. Smith area in April,
and the San Diego area in May. Collected data will be
analyzed at the Center for Disease Control in June.
It appears that dental problems surpass, by far, all other
health problems of the refugees. One or more members of
almost every family have such problems. The initial feeling
from the sample survey is that there are very few cases of
disease serious to the refugee or to the public health.
Health care access presents a different situation in each
area surveyed. In Atlanta, most of the refugees are employed,
but health care coverage usually is not provided with their
employment. With employment, they become ineligible for
Medicaid, and their income is not substantial enough to
allow them to buy private insurance. This leaves them without
any type of health insurance coverage. At Ft. Smith, the
working refugees have some form of health care coverage or
insurance. The majority there have excellent jobs that
provide good health care insurance. In San Diego, the
refugees have little if any private health coverage. Most
of the refugees are covered by Medi-Cal, which is provided
by the State of California and considered by the sponsor
and refugee to provide adequate coverage, including dental
care.
Dentists
The Assistant Secretary for Health announced a special
short-term training program to help refugee dentists qualify
for practice in the United States. Approximately 80 dentists
have been identified. The training is to prepare the refugee
dentists for the National Board Dental Examination. The
National Board is the first of three steps necessary to
qualify for dental licensure in the District of Columbia and
the 10 States that permit foreign dental graduates to take
licensure examinations.
To implement the short-term training, contracts will be
awarded to selected dental schools in the appropriate
geographic areas. The awards will be made in mid-June
with training commencing in September. The refugee dentists
will be eligible for a round-trip ticket from their place of
residence to the training location and will receive a
stipend of $250 per month during the training. There will
be no cost to the refugee for tuition.
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE - FISCAL REPORT ON
THE INDOCHINESE MIGRATION & REFUGEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
CONGRESSIONAL REPORT
1st QUARTER
2nd QUARTER
3rd QUARTER
ACTUAL
PROJECTED
F.Y. 1976
F.Y. 1976
F.Y. 1976
5/6/76
6/30/76
Care in Public Health Service Facilities:
- inpatient days
7,527
11,618
12,276
12,360
12,480
- obligations incurred
$ 843,024
$1,301,216
$1,374,912
$1,384,320
$1,397,760
- outpatient visits
638
1,524
1,861
1,861
1,861
- obligations incurred
$
14,674
$
35,052
$
42,803
$
42,803
$
42,803
Contract Medical Care:
- inpatient days
2,495
3,962
4,573
4,608
4,981
- obligations incurred
$ 487,614
$
771,670
$ 878,826
$ 888,921
$
960,921
- outpatient visits
420
776
881
882
882
- obligations incurred
$ 20,187
$
33,547
$
37,748
$
37,766
$
37,766
Other Expenses:
- ambulance services
$
1,143
$
1,538
$
1,538
$
1,577
$
1,577
- dentures
470
715
715
715
715
- escort expenses
516
557
1,142
1,142
1,142
- eyeglasses
7,809
17,165
17,165
17,165
17,165
- funeral expenses
5,109
13,142
15,460
16,294
16;294
- family planning contracts
863
2,466
2,466
2,466
2,466
- interpreter expenses
2,290
2,290
2,290
2,290
2,290
- other medical costs
25,168
69,023
78,287
80,332
80,332
- personnel detailed
1,547
1,547
1,547
1,547
1,547
- room and board
973
1,667
2,643
2,643
2,643
- taxi expenses
287
361
361
361
361
- travel expenses
1,089
1,343
1,343
1,343
1,343
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE - FISCAL REPORT ON
THE INDOCHINESE MIGRATION & REFUGEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
CONGRESSIONAL REPORT
1st QUARTER
2nd QUARTER
3rd QUARTER
ACTUAL
PROJECTED
F.Y. 1976
F.Y. 1976
F.Y. 1976
5/6/76
6/30/76
- wheelchairs
576
2,113
2,113
2,113
2,113
TOTAL of other expenses
$ 47,840
$ 113,927
$ 127,070
$ 129,988
$ 129,988
Center for Disease Control:
- screening and immunization prevention and
control of infectious diseases and related
Public health problems
$ 390,394
$ 404,272
$ 579,622
$ 605,402- $
625,000
Health Resources Administration:
-- physician training grants
-0-
$ 785,264
$ 785,264
$1,251,198
$1,676,000
TOTAL PHS Obligations
$1,803,733
$3,444,948
$3,826,245
$4,340,398
$4,801,000
1/ $376,000 of this amount represents projects obligations for the Dentistry training program.
2/ Obligations through 4/30/76.
BERNES
THE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL
INDOCHINESE REFUGEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
WORKLOAD DATA
Actual Obligations
Projected Obliga-
Activity
as of 4/30/76
tions as of 6/30/76
Communicable Disease Control:
$183,872
$379,000
194,272 tests and examinations
...
Estimated manyears to administer
178,980
7.2
Skin Exams:
3 Consultants
35,000
82,000
3 Screening teams
45,000
Immunizations:
133,910 vaccinations ,3 per
series) 44,637 series @ $2.34
104,450
164,000
Estimated manyears to administer
2.3
58,100
TOTAL, CDC Obligations
$605,402
$625,000
INDOCHINA REFUGEE PROGRAM - INPATIENT REPORT
ALL DISEASE CATEGORIES BY AGE FOR MONTH
ENDING JANUARY 31, 1976
CURRENT MONTH
CUMULATIVE
LOCATION,
ACE CROUP
AGE GROUP
DISPOSITION,
ALL
ALL
LENGTH OF STAY
AGES
0-19
20-34
35-49
50-64
65+
AGES
0-19
20-34
35-49
50-64
65+
BALTIMORE
TOTAL DISCHARGES
1
0
0
0
1
0
273
40
99
68
44
22
APPROVED
1
-
-
-
1
-
263
39
98
64
44
18
NOT APPROVED
0
-
-
-
-
-
2
1
-
1
-
-
TRSFR-PHS HOSP.
0
-
-
-
-
-
0
-
-
-
-
-
TRSFR-OTHER HOSP.
0
-
-
-
-
-
3
-
1
2
-
-
DIED
0
-
-
-
-
-
5
-
-
1
I
4
AVERAGE LOS
62.0
-
-
-
62.0
-
21.5
18.8
20.8
21.4
22.6
28.0
62.0
MEDIAN LOS
-
-
-
62.0
-
16.8
14.2
16.1
18.3
16.5
22.0
NEW ORLEANS
TOTAL DISCHARGES
10
5
4
0
1
0
92
28
30
17
9
8
APPROVED
10
5
4
-
1
-
86
27
29
15
8
7
NOT APPROVED
0
-
-
-
-
-
0
I
-
-
-
-
TRSFR-PHS HOSP.
0
-
-
-
-
-
0
-
-
-
-
-
TRSFR-OTHER HOSP.
0
-
-
-
-
-
1
1
-
-
-
-
DIED
0
-
-
-
-
-
5
-
1
2
1
1
AVERAGE LOS
34.8
14.0
68.2
-
5.0
-
30.0
11.5
31.4
41.2
34.1
61.4
MEDIAN LOS
5.0
4.0
14.5
1
5.0
-
12.5
4.5
22.0
16.0
14.0
45.0
SAN FRANCISCO
TOTAL DISCHARGES
0
0
0
0
0
0
21
2
8
6
3
2
APPROVED
0
-
-
-
-
-
19
1
8
6
3
1
NOT APPROVED
0
-
-
-
-
-
0
-
-
-
-
-
TRSFR-PHS HOSP.
0
-
-
-
-
-
0
-
-
-
-
-
TRSFR-OTHER HOSP.
0
-
-
-
-
-
1
1
-
-
-
-
DIED
0
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
1
AVERAGE LOS
0
-
-
-
-
-
70.8
77.0
78.6
68.3
62.3
53.5
MEDIAN LOS
0
-
-
-
-
-
76.0
77.0
81.0
72.5
39.0
53.5
INDOCHINA REFUCEE PROGRAM - INPATIENT REPORT
ALL DISEASE CATEGORIES BY AGE FOR MONTH
ENDING JANUARY 31, 1976
CURRENT MONTH
CUMULATIVE
LOCATION,
AGE GROUP
AGE GROUP
DISPOSITION,
ALL
ALL
LENGTH OF STAY
AGES
0-19
20-34
35-49
50-64
65+
AGES
0-19
20-34
35-49
50-64
65+
OTHER HOSPITALS
TOTAL DISCHARGES
1
1
0
0
0
0
27
7
9
6
5
0
APPROVED
1
1
-
-
-
-
27
7
9
6
5
-
NOT APPROVED
0
-
-
-
-
-
0
-
-
-
-
-
TRSFR-PHS HOSP.
0
-
-
-
-
-
0
-
-
-
-
-
TRSFR-OTHER HOSP.
0
-
-
-
-
-
0
-
-
-
-
-
DIED
0
-
-
-
-
-
0
-
-
-
-
-
AVERAGE LOS
5.0
5.0
-
-
-
-
39.0
27.6
33.3
50.2
52.0
-
MEDIAN LOS
5.0
5.0
-
-
-
-
28.0
15.8
18.0
24.5
42.8
-
TOTAL ALL HOSPITALS
TOTAL DISCHARGES
12
6
4
0
2
0
413
77
146
97
61
32
APPROVED
12
6
4
-
2
-
395
74
144
91
60
26
NOT APPROVED
0
-
-
-
-
-
2
1
-
1
-
-
TRSFR-PIIS HOSP.
0
-
-
-
-
-
0
-
-
-
-
-
TRSFR-OTHER HOSP.
0
-
-
-
-
-
5
2
1
2
-
-
DIED
0
-
-
-
-
-
11
I
1
3
1
6
AVERAGE LOS
34.6
12.5
296.8
-
33.5
-
27.1
18.5
26.9
29.6
28.6
37.9
MEDIAN LOS
5.0
4.5
350.5
-
33.5
-
16.4
11.2
16.6
18.8
20.0
28.0
INDOCHINA REFUGEE PROGRAM
OUTPATIENT VISIT REPORT
For the month ending January 31, 1976
Current Month
New
San
Service
Baltimore
Orleans
Francisco
Other
Total
Male Female Child
Male Female Child
Male Female Child
Male Female Child
Male Female Child
Cardiology
-
-
-
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
0
0
Cardiovascular Surg
4
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
as
0
0
0
Dentistry
-
-
-
1
7
3
-
-
-
->
2
2
1
9
5
Dermatelogy
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
0
0
Endocrinology
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
I
0
0
0
Castroenterology
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
0
0
General Surgery
-
-
-
2
2
-
-
-
-
-
-
I
2
2
0
Cynecology
-
-
-
-
21
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
21
0
Hematology
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
I
-
I
0
0
0
Internal Medicine
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
7
8
4
8
8
4
Neurology
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
0
-
8
1
0
0
Neurosurgery
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
I
-
-
0
0
0
Obstetrics
-
-
-
-
28
-
-
-
-
$
-
-
0
28
0
Ophthalmology
-
-
-
3
7
1
-
-
-
i
are
1
3
7
1
Orthopedic Surgery
1
-
-
3
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
0
0
Otolaryngology
-
-
-
3
3
-
-
-
-
-
3
3
0
Pediatrics
-
-
-
-
-
37
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
0
37
Plastic Surgery
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
I
-
-
-
ADD
0
0
0
Psychiatry
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
0
0
Pulmonary Disease
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
1
0
0
Renal
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
8
-
-
9
0
0
Thoracic Surgery
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
0
0
Tumor
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
I
-
-
0
0
0
Urology
-
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
0
0
Phy. Med. & Rehab.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
I
I
-
-
0
0
0
common leable Disease
-
192
PR
-
-
-
-
0
0
0
Preventive Medicine
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
B
-
-
-
0
0
0
General
=
FR
-
32
32
5
-
-
-
6
1
-
38
33
5
Total
1
0
0
52
100
46
0
0
0
21
11
6
74
111
52
INDOCHINA REFUGEE PROGRAM
OUTPATIENT VISIT REPORT
For the period ending January 31 1976
Cumulative
New
San
Service
Baltimore
Orleans
Francisco
Other
Total
Male Female Child
Male Female Child
Male Female Child
Male
Female
Child
Male Female Child
Cardiology
1
2
-
2
-
-
1
1
-
-
-
-
4
3
0
Cardievascular Surg
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
on
-
-
0
0
0
Dentistry
8
1
5
14
18
6
3
3
-
9
13
8
34
35
19
Dermatology
7
-
-
-
1
-
1
-
-
4
3
1
12
4
1
Endocrinology
4
1
-
-
-
-
1
2
-
-
-
I
5
3
0
Castroenterology
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8
0
0
0
General Surgery
81
11
1
6
9
2
-
-
-
-
1
-
87
21
3
Cynecology
-
7
-
6
65
FREE
-
2
-
-
0
74
0
Hematology
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
-
12
2
-
13
2
0
Internal Medicine
25
14
-
8
3
-
1
2
-
30
27
11
64
46
11
Neurology
5
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
I
6
0
0
Neurosurgery
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
0
0
Obstetrics
-
-
-
-
95
-
-
-
--
-
-
-
0
95
0
Ophthalmology
273
154
5
9
21
4
-
-
11
1
-
293
176
9
Orthopedic Surgery
46
15
3
17
2
5
8
-
-
-
-
-
71
17
8
Otolaryngology
43
19
5
6
1
5
-
-
2
1
1
55
26
2
Pediatrics
-
-
5
-
-
127
-
-
-
-
-
3
0
0
135
Plastic Surgery
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
-
-
1
1
0
1
Psychiatry
7
4
-
4
-
-
-
-
-
no
-
I
11
4
0
Pulmonary Disease
-
2
2
4
0
0
Renal
-
-
-
2
-
-
1
-
-
8
-
-
11
0
0
Thoractc Surgery
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
0
0
-
-
-
-
-
-
Tumor
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
0
0
Urology
42
-
-
1
-
1
-
-
1
1
-
43
1
1
Phy. Med. & Rehab.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
0
0
Communicable Disease
1
4
3
5
5
3
5
Preventive Medicine
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
0
0
General
19
3
-
129
129
18
6
1
-
46
41
12
200
174
30
Total
562
231
19
200
349
164
30
11
0
128
93
42
920
684
225
Total exeludes 32 visits reported in July without service and sex breakout available
INDOCHINA REFUGEE PROGRAM - INPATIENT REPORT
SUMMARY
FOR THE MONTH ENDING JANUARY 31, 1976 1/
CURRENT MONTH
BALTIMORE NEW ORLEANS SAN FRANCISCO OTHER HOSPS. ALL HOSPITALS
MALE
I
FEMALE
MALE
FEMALE
MALE
FEMALE
MALE
FEMALE
MALE
FEMALE
TOTAL DISCHARGES
1
0
5
5
0
o
1
0
7
5
62.0
-
54.4
-
-
AVERAGE LOS
15.2
5.0
-
48.4
15.2
MEDIAN LOS
62.0
-
4.0
5.0
-
-
5.0
-
5.0
5.0
TOTAL INPATIENT
62
-
272
76
-
-
5
-
339
76
DAYS
CUMULATIVE
TOTAL DISCHARGES
191
82
48
44
16
5
21
6
276
137
AVERAGE LOS
22.3
19.7
35.3
24.3
75.4
56.0
45.9
15.0
29.4
22.3
MEDIAN LOS
16.2
17.8
16.5
7.3
81.0
61.0
32.0
12.0
16.5
16.2
TOTAL INPATIENT
4261
1616
1695
1069
1207
280
964
90
B127
3055
DAYS
1/
Program terminated: Effective January 22, 1976 (Division of Hospitals & Clinics
Circular Memorandum #76-15 dated February 2, 1976)
The Bureau of Health Manpower, Health Resources Administration, has
awarded Indochinese Physician Training Grants to the following medical
schools:
Grants to
Number of
Date
Trainees
1. Loma-Linda University, Loma-Linda,
California
$ 202,238
64
2. University of California, San Diego,
California
232,048
61
3. University of Nebraska
94,587
30
4. University of Miami
145,975
64
5. University of Oklahoma
307,557
120
6. Unviersity of Arkansas
59,913
20
7. Hamnemann Medical College and
Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa
208,880
75-83
TOTAL
$1,251,198
434-442
1/ The balance of the $1.3 million ($48,802) will be awarded to some of
the above institutions by June 30, 1976. The proposed amount of
$376,000 for the Dentistry Training program is expected to be made up
of a projected four contracts and eighty dentists.
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Special steps have been taken by the Social Security Administration (SSA)
to assign Social Security numbers to the refugees from Southeast Asia.
These steps were desirable because of the possible problems associated
with individuals filing for a number in a local SSA office such as
language barrier, lack of needed evidence for age, identity and alien
status, and unfamiliar names.
For the approximately 140,000 refugees that came through the four relocation
centers of Camp Pendleton, Fort Chaffee, Eglin Air Force Base and Indiantown
Gap last summer and fall, several hundred SSA personnel in the camps worked
long hours to interview the refugees, develop the necessary evidence and
then issue the SSN card on the spot. This differed from the usual procedure
of having SSN cards prepared by a computer and mailed from SSA headquarters
in Baltimore. The modified procedures were desirable because of the
uncertainty of the refugees' future addresses and the need to have the card
quickly available for possible employment.
For the 11,000 Indochinese refugees now being admitted from Thailand,
special procedures are again being used. An SSA employee working with
the State Department and IRS is on detail in Bangkok with a block of
SSN cards. After interview, the cards are issued before the refugees
leave for the United States. This procedure is being used since the
refugees are not being processed through a relocation camp, but rather
fly direct to their sponsor's location.
FORD LIBRARY in GERALD
DEPARTMENT OF STATE ACTIVITIES
International aspects of resettlement continued to occupy
the attention of the Department of State during the quarter
just completed.
Of primary concern was the authorization on May 5 by the
Attorney General, at the request of the Department of
State, to parole up to 11,000 more refugees. INS officials
were sent to Thailand and have, to date, approved almost
8,000 of these for parole.
These are from among some 85,000 refugees now in Thailand,
as well as several boatloads of refugees who recently
reached the Phillipines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
The American Embassy in Bangkok estimates that about 9,200
refugees will be approved in Thailand, of which about 6,700
will be Lao and Meo, 1,100 Vietnamese, and 1,400 Cambodians.
It is expected that about 800 other refugees elsewhere in
Southeast Asia and around the world will qualify.
About 1,000 numbers from the 11,000 will be retained as a
"reserve," but funding will not be available for travel or
Voluntary Agency Resettlement grants after June 30.
Under the earlier Lao parole program, 2,900 are already in
the United States, and the rest are in the final stages of
processing. In both the Lao and "11,000" program, refugees
go directly from overseas to a sponsor in the United States.
The Department of State continues to work, without substantial
progress, on the repatriation of the 439 Vietnamese refugees
who have declared their desire to return home. Efforts to
achieve this humanitarian goal for thé Vietnamese and for
any Cambodians seeking repatriation will continue.
RESETTLEMENT AGENCIES
The resettlement agencies, private, State and local, upon
whose shoulders rest the primary burden of resettlement
for virtually all of the refugees, have each pursued their
own philosophy of resettlement. U.S. Catholic Conference,
Church World Services, and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee
Services, for example, resettled refugees through their
parishes and congregations. The parishes and congregations
assumed long-term sponsorship responsibilities, providing
material and fiscal assistance often far beyond the $500
per refugee which they received under contract with the
federal government.
Other resettlement agencies adopted different, but no less
humane, approaches to resettlement. HIAS-Jewish Family
Services, for example, settled refugees directly into local
communities without formal sponsorship arrangements; instead,
job development and placement was stressed.
This diversity of approaches, including the manner in which
resettlement funds were used by the resettlement agencies,
sometimes caused confusion and misunderstanding within the
refugee community. The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent
Association, Los Angeles, for example, distributed the entire
$500 per refugee directly to the refugee families in install-
ments, while other agencies would provide more than $500 in
resettlement services and goods, but not in outright cash
distributions. As a consequence of the varying approaches,
the HEW Refugee Task Force circulated a statement on the use
of the $500 which helped to alleviate the refugees' and some
sponsors', anxieties over the "$500 issue."
Another problem has been the lack of centralized local
information and referral services. This has resulted in
some duplication of effort. A solution has been tackled
in a few places with the establishment of Statewide
coordinating offices. There is a continuing commitment
by the resettlement agencies to the Phase II program of
resettlement. This commitment is reflected by a realization
of the significant problems faced in the long term and the
knowledge that the resettlement agency is still the primary
vehicle for solving the face-to-face problems of the refugees.
In many cities, resettlement agencies, refugees, and others
have formed coalitions to deal with the wide range of refugee
problems. These coalitions and refugee self-help organizations
are encouraged by the HEW Refugee Task Force because of the
long term benefits of continuity and focus to the successful
resettlement of the refugees as specialized Federal programs
phase down and eventually end.
The HEW Task Force, Voluntary Agencies, and State and
local Resettlement Agencies seek to channel their resources
into providing work related English language training, job
development, and vocational services to potentially
employable refugees presently receiving cash assistance.
This national policy establishes a goal of reducing the
number of cash assistance cases within the refugee population
by 50% by September 30, 1976. Regional plans involving HEW
Regional Offices, Voluntary Agency local affiliates, and the
States are being prepared.
VOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT AGENCIES (VOLAGs)
Refugees Resettled
United States Catholic Conference
Migration and Refugee Services
1312 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20005
Telephone (202) 659-6635
52,442
International Rescue Committee
386 Park Avenue South
New York, New York 10016
Telephone (212) 679-0010
18,600
Church World Service
Immigration & Refugee Program
475 Riverside Drive
New York, New York 10027
Telephone (212) 870-2164
17,864
Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service
315 Park Avenue South
New York, New York 10010
Telephone (212) 677-3950
15,897
HIAS, Inc.
200 Park Avenue South
New York, New York 10003
Telephone (212) 674-6800
3,531
Tolstoy Foundation, Inc.
250 West 57th Street
New York, New York 10019
Telephone (212) 247-2922
3,270
American Council for Nationalities Service
20 West 40th Street
New York, New York 10018
Telephone (212) 279-2715
3,400
American Fund for Czechoslovak Refugees
1790 Broadway, Room 513
New York, New York 10019
Telephone (212) 265-1919
832
Travelers Aid International Social Service
of America
345 East 46th Street
New York, New York 10017
Telephone (212) 687-2747
512
Totals:
116,408
UNITED STATES CATHOLIC CONFERENCE (USCC)
Nearly 70% of the refugees assisted by the USCC are now
self-supporting and need no further direct assistance.
The refugees are becoming integrated and productive
members of their communities. Their children, by and
large, are rapidly rising on the ladder of achievement.
The voluntary diocesan sponsoring committees and their
supporting groups provided material and fiscal assistance
that often far exceeded the available federal resources.
A summary survey indicates that the diocesan committees
and their affiliated groups have donated funds and
services worth more than $15 million to help the refugees.
Such help was provided for all refugees, without regard
to race, nationality or religion.
Throughout the nation, a massive Phase II program has
been instituted by the USCC to provide facilities for
job counseling, language training, orientation programs,
and the upgrading of employment opportunities. Many of
these refugees are underemployed because they have not
as yet re-established their professional qualifications
or attained U.S. citizenship, a prerequisite in many
fields of endeavor. USCC regional offices provide a
constant support and monitoring service to assure
effective program directions and coordinate the government
and private resources that have been made available to
this joint undertaking.
This intensive program was projected for an 18-month
period but it now appears that this over-all programming
will not be necessary in all areas of our nation, as
indicated by the following USCC field reports: Boise,
Idaho: "All employable refugees are working with a
number of households enjoying monthly salaries in excess
of $1,300. No family resettled by USCC is making less
than $450 a month"; Baker, Oregon: "All refugee families
employed and self-supporting"; Houston, Texas: "No USCC
resettled refugees unemployed. Housing is a serious
problem"; Anchorage, Alaska: "The winter has been a problem
for the refugees from Southeast Asia but no families are
on public assistance"; New Orleans, Louisiana: "Of the
1,800 persons resettled, eight families are on welfare
cash assistance"; Albuquerque, New Mexico: "With the
cooperation of the National Alliance of Businessmen, our
employment programs have been most successful with better
than 90% of the refugees now working; however, many of the
jobs need to be upgraded."
A large resettlement program of the USCC in Los Angeles
and Orange County, California, involving more than 5,000
refugees, is now becoming a community asset. These
refugees, with church and voluntary support, are beginning
to develop new businesses which will eventually provide
employment opportunities for all American citizens. Santa
Rosa, California's successful program has been the achieve-
ment of dedicated job counselors and their support staffs
who organized training programs to help the refugees adapt
to American work patterns. The refugees were also made
aware of the role of unions in the employment picture.
In many areas of the country, the refugees' love of the
soil has resulted in the establishment of their own home
gardens to assist with family support. In Arlington,
Virginia, through the support of the USCC, food co-opera-
tives have been developed. In Pensacola, Florida, fisher-
men are earning from $800 to $1,000 a month and are in the
market for their own major shipping vessels. Pensacola
will be the base for a new Southeast Asian fishing
endeavor. And in De Funiak Springs, Florida, the South-
east Asian refugee is a vital element in the poultry
industry.
INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE (IRC)
IRC continues to work with refugees under its auspices.
&
FORD
In addition, assistance and services are being provided
to refugees who had no previous VOLAG or who had been
admitted to the United States for family reunion. All
GERALD
told, the present IRC caseload is in excess of 18,000.
The overall goal of the IRC effort remains the achieve-
ment of self-sufficiency through employment.
The network of 11 IRC resettlement offices, in areas of
greatest refugee concentration, is completed by ties with
collaborating agencies -- in particular, the United States
Catholic Conference, the American Council of Nationalities
Services, and Travelers Aid International Social Service --
in areas where there is no IRC office. This network gives
IRC access to over 75% of their active cases, with the
balance being served from the IRC New York Headquarters,
often in cooperation with community groups.
Refugees processed and released from resettlement camps by
the IRC received at least $100 per person at the time of
their departure. Additional assistance was provided with
their first residency, which sometimes was little more than
a stopover. Emergency assistance and support for a refugee's
basic needs were the most common categories of IRC aid at
that stage. The situation became more structured when
refugees began to move into apartments and needed help with
rent payments and furniture.
Through April 30, 1976, the IRC has spent $5,500,000 for the
Indochinese refugees' resettlement program of which
$4,425,000 was in direct financial assistance to needy
refugees and $1,075,000 was in counseling and casework.
As the program moved into its second year, the emphasis
shifted from initial adjustment to integration.
IRC Resettlement Program - Means and Objectives
The objectives of the IRC resettlement program include
self-sufficiency through employment, a decent standard of
living, and a realistic hope for advancement in the future.
The means to attain these objectives vary. However, all
contain certain basic, common elements.
Employment
With the upturn in the national economy over the last
6 months, the refugees' employment situation has improved
somewhat. IRC puts its main effort into job placement
and seeks employment for all members of a family capable
of working and contributing to the well-being of the family.
IRC actively discourages recourse to public assistance.
Increased emphasis is being placed on occupational training
and job-related English language training as a way to adapt
the most usable job skills of the refugees to the needs of
the U.S. market. In many instances, IRC assumes responsi-
bility for financial support for a family during a period
of training. An example of this is the HEW program for
medical doctors preparing for their ECFMG examination. IRC
is also financing specialized training in other areas, as
appropriate, and participating actively in the HEW Voca-
tional Services Program being developed in four target
areas in California - San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange
County and San Diego. It participates fully in all other
programs of a similar nature in areas of relatively high
refugee concentration throughout the country.
Housing and Material Well-being
It is an understandable desire of many refugees to establish
their own home and to become independent. IRC encourages
this and provides direct assistance as appropriate. In some
instances, IRC has helped families make a down payment on
a house. More often, IRC has provided initial rent for one
to six months, depending on need, to refugees establishing
their own households independent of their sponsors. In
certain instances, where a refugee needs private transpor-
tation to retain employment, assistance in making a down
payment on a serviceable, second-hand car is provided.
Health
As refugees become employed, Medicaid eligibility is
often lost. Entry level jobs do not always provide compre-
hensive private medical insurance coverage. Thus it has
become necessary to help refugees to pay medical bills,
particularly for dental care where extensive work is
required, and for pregnancy cases not covered by private
health insurance plans.
Social Integration
IRC has worked closely with its sister agencies in developing
resources to help refugees become integrated into their
communities. In some instances, where isolation and lack
of job potential clearly indicate that assistance is
necessary, IRC has helped families move to more promising
areas.
CHURCH WORLD SERVICE (CWS)
CWS, through its Protestant, Anglican, and Orthodox
denominations and local churches, has helped to resettle
approximately 18,000 refugees in 49 States, the District
of Columbia and Guam. CWS continues to respond to requests
for financial help when there are unusual or emergency
resettlement costs beyond the financial capabilities of
the sponsor and/or the refugee.
The Social Welfare Department of CWS Immigration and
Refugee Program provides assistance to refugees for
medical and dental costs not covered by private insurance
or Medicaid, housing rental costs, housing downpayment
costs, clothing and furniture costs, transportation costs,
relocation costs, and the cost of other needs, which aid
in the resettlement of refugees and their families. Each
determination is based on an individual study of the case.
The two regional consultant offices in California (Los
Angeles and San Francisco) serve CWS-sponsored refugees
in California and neighboring States. CWS has funded
two pilot programs in California, in collaboration with
HEW, designed to take refugees off public assistance
rolls and into an intensive program of job training and
job-related English training. The refugees are being
trained in needed employment skills in areas where
vacancies exist.
In addition to the CWS regional consultant offices, CWS
has also funded twenty-five ecumenical/community programs
in various parts of the United States designed to assist
refugee resettlement in such areas as language training,
vocational training, job counseling, job placement,
educational counseling, orientation to United States
culture, and problem counseling and referral. CWS
remains, deeply concerned about the availability of mental
health services to the Indochina refugees and has been
working cooperatively with HEW and NIMH to bring some
structure into our concerns. CWS hopes that these efforts
will lead to the involvement, nationally, of existing
mental health resources, public and private, to help
meet the difficult and debilitating emotional problems
which many refugees are now facing.
The Attorney General has approved the issuance of an
additional 8,000 parole numbers for Indochina refugees
located in Thailand and other third countries, and CWS
has agreed to accept 11% or 880 of these. These cases
are in addition to those numbers provided for the Laos
program which totaled 3,400 -- of which CWS accepted 750.
LUTHERAN IMMIGRATION & REFUGEE SERVICES (LIRS)
LIRS is offering follow-up services to refugees and
sponsors to assist with and ensure successful resettlement.
LIRS has the services of 23 Regional Offices through
Lutheran Social Service Agencies that serve as a network
to supplement the activities of the 3,000 congregations
and 800 families providing refugee sponsorship. The
major emphasis is on achieving self-sufficiency of
refugees before December 31, 1976. Its Regional Con-
sultants, along with Indochinese staff members, assist
sponsors and refugees in planning ways to reach self-
supporting status. Self-sufficiency is defined by LIRS
as the point at which the refugee can provide for his
own needs without the financial assistance of the public
welfare system, sponsors, or LIRS direct assistance.
Financial assistance continues to be available by
application, from the 23 Regional Consultant offices.
Such aid is for basic needs of refugees who are beyond
the financial capabilities of the sponsor and/or the
refugee. Direct aid has been granted for such needs as
food, clothing, basic furniture, housing, vocational and
English-language training, special transportation, child
care (to enable employment of adults), medical and dental
costs not covered by Medicaid or private insurance, and
other items of necessity.
LIRS has in operation a revolving loan fund of $500,000
which maximizes the use of the resettlement funds. Loans
with no interest have been made where non-refundable grants
seem inappropriate, for such things as downpayments on
homes, college education, and cars.
LIRS continues to be updated on the problems being faced
by the Regional Consultants, sponsors, and refugees in
the process of resettlement through assessment trips
made to Regional Consultants' offices and discussions
with sponsors and refugees in the community. Some of
the serious barriers to achieving self-sufficiency are
underemployment, unemployment, lack of English language
skills, and the lack of transferable skills.
Acquiring English skills can be difficult through Adult
Education English as a Second Language courses because:
(1) some of the refugees are not able to learn in a
group setting; they need more personal contact to gain
self-confidence, (2) some refugees have scheduling
problems because of work or family responsibilities,
(3) many women have difficulty leaving home for language
training because of small children in the family,
(4) transportation is not available, (5) some group
classes are not available in geographic areas where
refugees are resettled, (6) need is more evident in rural
areas, (7) levels of language development of beginning,
intermediate, and advanced are not always available in
geographic areas and refugees have become discouraged
when the teaching is below their language-learning skills.
In this type of problem situation, LIRS is assisting
through programs developed by Regional Consultants to
train volunteers from small communities and congregations
to teach ESL (English Second Language) classes.
An example of such a program is conducted by Tressler-
Lutheran Service Associates, Inc., of Pennsylvania, which
has organized 15-hour weekend workshops with professional
staff to train volunteers to be able to teach English as
a second language. Favorable response has come from
volunteers who participated from across the state.
North Dakota's Regional Consultant has organized a
similar project to train tutors to use the Laubach method
of teaching English as a second language. A sponsor in
Casselton, North Dakota, reported that great progress
had been made in one month of operation. The children
are having a much easier time understanding in the
schools and women who would not even dare to pick up a
telephone before are now able to hold limited conversa-
tions.
In Montana, plans are being made to have English classes
available to school-age children during the summer months
and a rotating ESL tape library will be circulated to
rural areas. These are just a few of the solutions which
have been developed by regional staff to solve one parti-
cular problem in different locations.
Through assessment trips with Regional Consultants and
through meetings held by Regional Consultants with clusters
of sponsors and refugees, LIRS continues to re-evaluate
our program responding to current needs for attaining self-
sufficiency of refugee families and refugee individuals.
LIRS Computer Progress Analysis Report
Employment
Total entries
10,021 individuals
Less "No Report"
1,282
Sub-Total
8,739 individuals
Less minors and dependent adults
4,241 individuals
Total:
4,498 individuals
Of this total
55% are fully employed
10% are part-time employed
35% are unemployed - This figure (1,593 unemployed)
includes housewives.
Cash Assistance
Cash assistance only
38
Medical and cash assistance
57
Food stamps and cash assistance
67
Cash assistance, food stamps
and medical assistance
235
Total:
397 cases
To recapitulate, 397 heads of households or non-dependent
adults were at one time or another on public cash assis-
tance rolls in the reporting period of 12/19/75 to 4/30/76
(or approximately 9%).
Adjustment
Of the 4,670 heads of households and non-dependent adults
reported, 3,175 have some problems, 1,400 have no adjustment
problems and 52 have serious adjustment problems.
Sponsorship Relationship
As to sponsorship relationship, of the 4,641 reported,
2,871 have either good or fair relationship and 1,646
have excellent relationship, whereas 78 have poor relation-
ship or a sponsorship breakdown.
HIAS, Inc.
Approximately one year after the arrival of refugees to
this country, the movement continues. In some cases, the
situation is disheartening, single men roaming from state
to state in search of better employment, or of a community
where they can feel at home. In most HIAS cases, the move
reflects a positive step, the decision of a self-supporting
refugee to leave his sponsor's home and move to his own
apartment. The following letter illustrates this:
"I was very lucky to have a very good sponsor.
They have treated me very good, with love and
help. I have left my sponsor even I love them
very much. Leaving them is a good decision.
They have a family to take care of, they have
children to raise. About me, a single man, I
have to build my future. The first step of the
independent life is often a hard one
"
Notwithstanding this migration as a result of a job lead
or the discovery of a relative or friend in another state,
HIAS has maintained correspondence with a high percentage
of its caseload. Most letters come in requesting financial
assistance. However, a review of the situation usually
indicates that the families are not in dire need. Second
in volume are requests for information about grants in
order to attend universities.
The correspondence indicates that beside the drive for
economic security and stability, many Vietnamese are
concerned with the whole process of Americanization.
Efforts are being made to learn how to function within
the American cultural and social structure, and how to
communicate despite a limited English-speaking ability.
The HIAS Indochinese Unit is concerned with 3,531 refugees,
the majority of whom were sponsored by Jewish Family
Service Agencies, (JFS). These agencies are staffed by
professional social workers who assist in all phases of
resettlement and who provide personal and vocational
counseling. More than 1,180 refugees were sponsored by
individuals.
During Phase II, the HIAS Indochinese Unit has tried to
assist both groups by working with the JFS Agencies to
utilize new resources and by reaching individual refugees
and sponsors by mail and phone. JFS agencies are kept
informed of the latest developments of concern to refugee
clients. A recent mailing to these agencies included memos
on: free clothing available through the Salvation Army;
instructions for refugees desiring to bring relatives from
Thailand; and HIAS participation in the Expanded Parole
Program.
A large number of JFS agencies which sponsored Indochinese
families are engaged in Phase II activities, including:
continued service by JFS staff and/or referral to other
agencies for job counseling, manpower training and educa-
tional programs; referrals to self-help organizations for
personal counseling, social and cultural activities;
cooperation with Regional and State refugee affairs task
forces; and referrals for medical and dental problems. HIAS
staff has also worked with the Regional HEW Task Force for
New York and New Jersey to assist unemployed refugees in the
preparation of job resumes for consideration by prospective
employers.
The HIAS Indochinese Unit helps individually-sponsored
refugees throughout the country by providing cash assis-
tance where needed and referrals to a local JFS or to an
appropriate public or voluntary agency. Along with the
Program Progress Report, HIAS has sent out a questionnaire
for information on current employment and rate of pay. A
surprisingly high rate of return, 70% has helped to update
HIAS case records.
In addition to its case records, which are arranged alpha-
betically, card files have been set up according to alien
registration numbers, and state of residence and current
addresses. This system enables HIAS to keep track of its
mobile clients and to make referrals to new resources being
developed in specific geographical areas.
TOLSTOY FOUNDATION, INC. (TF)
During the last quarter, in addition to TF's branch office
in San Francisco, special support offices were maintained
in San Diego, Pomona and Los Angeles to provide direct
assistance to refugees. Specific services included job
training, placement counseling, and translation assistance.
As part of TF's follow-up program, representatives of TF
Headquarters, as well as of local offices, continue to
visit areas of refugee concentration, such as Arizona,
Washington, Utah, Missouri and Texas to investigate and
resolve problems which may have arisen.
TF is still experiencing a heavy flow of letters and
telephone calls requesting payment of "the $500 grant",
although the volume has decreased since the Department of
Health, Education, and Welfare distributed a letter explaining
the purpose of the funding. TF has continued to provide
assistance, when requested, to refugees not assigned to any
particular VOLAG.
In San Francisco, TF participated in the joint organization
and funding of a vocational training program, the results
of which have proved very successful. TF's staff members
in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego
have continued their efforts to find and develop job
opportunities for refugees who have been obliged to apply
for public assistance. Considerable success has been
experienced, significantly decreasing numbers of refugees
receiving welfare. Extensive background work in this area
was accomplished by TF's San Francisco Office which, by
means of personal visits and mailed forms, ascertained
the linguistic and vocational skills of all refugees
resettled in California. Not only is this information
invaluable for providing employment possibilities, but
will also prove useful for a general overview of the
composition of the refugee population in the State.
The Agapi Foundation in San Diego has received TF support
for its programs in intensive English language instruction,
driver education, and vocational training (leather-cutting
and commercial sewing). In addition, the Foundation
provides a job placement service for all refugees who either
complete the courses, or who already have marketable skills.
As refugees become employed, apartments are found for
them, and they thus become self-sufficient and independent
members of the community in the shortest possible time.
TF has initiated legal proceedings against two California
organizations which had abandoned the refugees they were
sponsoring after receiving significant amounts of resettle-
ment assistance from the Foundation.
AMERICAN COUNCIL FOR NATIONALITIES SERVICE (ACNS)
ACNS has resettled 3, 400 Indochinese refugees directly
from the IATF program, 200 on behalf of other VOLAGs,
and 410 Laotians. It is presently establishing 600
sponsorships for refugees who are still in Thailand.
ACNS operates through a network of member institutes
whose major activities over the last 20 years have been
the resettlement of immigrants and the foreign born.
Supported through United Funds, each ACNS institute has
employed Indochinese staff and provides social caseworkers.
ACNS is conducting intensive language programs at each of
its institutes. In some instances, sophisticated tape
recording and feedback programs teach English. Day and
night English classes are being held; in some instances
these are combined with child day-care programs to make
the classes available to refugees of all ages. Classes
are structured to differentiate beginners, novices, inter-
mediate, and advanced students.
Job placement is a continuing responsibility at each
institute. The task is divided into initial placement,
often at skill levels below the refugees' proficiency
in order to develop self-sufficiency, and concentrated
up-grading of skills through vocational training, retraining,
and technical language training. Vocational training
is largely referred to other social agencies.
ACNS placement of refugees has been successful. However,
problems have occurred in two or three geographical areas
of high unemployment. The chief reason for migration within
the U.S. has been family reunification, which is handled on
an individual basis, devising solutions at both ends of the
journey with local service agencies and sponsors.
While resettlement is never easy, and often requires months
and years, ACNS anticipates the refugees will have moved a
long way toward self-sufficiency by the end of 1976. ACNS
feels a continuing responsibility for all of its refugees
and will provide supporting services in dollars and counseling.
In the fall, ACNS will conduct an internal analysis of
its refugees presently on public cash assistance to identify
the size of the caseload, its geographical distribution,
and the reasons for problem cases. The timing of this
diagnostic analysis is geared to the point at which most of
the refugees will have had 6 to 8 months of English training.
AMERICAN FUND FOR CZECHOSLOVAK REFUGEES (AFCR)
AFCR continues to maintain contact by telephone or letter
with the 832 Indochina refugees it resettled. Progress
reports bring individual or family situations to AFCR's
attention.
Several refugees have been removed from public assistance
roles as a result of AFCR counseling. AFCR insists that
refugees cannot expect to continue to receive financial
help from AFCR while receiving welfare payments. They are
told they must become self-sustaining.
AFCR regards one problem, also reported by other VOLAGs
as meriting special attention. There are instances of
otherwise employable Vietnamese and Cambodians who are
illiterate in their native languages. These people find
learning and comprehension of English almost impossible.
They are employable in only the simplest menial tasks.
TRAVELERS AID INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SERVICE OF AMERICA (TAISSA)
TAISSA has been working over the last several months to
insure that refugees have opportunities for becoming fully
participating members of their communities. As with all
the other VOLAGs, TAISSA has committed itself to reducing
the number of refugees receiving public assistance.
Since resettlement cannot become a reality until refugees
have acquired English language and vocational skills, local
Travelers Aid and affiliated agencies have in some cases
set up their own English classes. In other instances, these
agencies have functioned as advocates to facilitate the
refugees' enrollment in community English training programs.
Because financial independence is such an important aspect
of the resettlement process, language training for employed
refugees has been scheduled during non-working hours. To
further facilitate participation in English classes, local
agency staff persons, sponsors, or community volunteers
have provided transportation for refugees attending classes.
Refugees Resettled by TAISSA
STATES
FAMILIES
INDIVIDUALS
Alabama
14
41
California
31
170
Connecticut
3
5
District of Columbia
9
39
Florida
1
1
Georgia
1
8
Hawaii
1
5
Illinois
12
23
Louisiana
1
1
Maryland
1
4
Massachusetts
9
17
New Jersey
3
20
New York
16
59
Ohio
2
6
Oklahoma
17
70
Pennsylvania
7
17
Texas
10
36
Virginia
14
50
TOTAL
152
572
STATE AND LOCAL RESETTLEMENT AGENCIES
Refugees Resettled
Department of Emergency Services
State of Washington
4220 East Martin Way
Olympia, Washington 98504
Telephone (206) 753-5255
1,570
Governor's Task Force for
Indo-Chinese Resettlement
Employment Security Commission
State of Iowa
1000 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Telephone (515) 281-5362
633
Department of Institutions,
Social and Rehabilitative Services
State of Oklahoma
Post Office Box 25352
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125
Telephone (405) 521-3076
362
Division of Community Services
State of Maine
193 State Street
The State House
Augusta, Maine 04333
Telephone (207) 289-3771
167
Governor's Cabinet Secretariat
State of New Mexico Planning Office
403 Executive-Legislative Building
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
Telephone (505) 827-2112
213
Jackson County, Missouri
Don Bosco Community Center
526 Campbell Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
Telephone (816) 421-5825
236
City of Indianapolis
Indianapolis Chapter, American Red Cross
441 East Tenth Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
Telephone (317) 634-1441
80
Refugees Resettled
Chinese Consolidated Benevolent
Association of Los Angeles
923-925 North Broadway
Los Angeles, California 90012
Telephone (213) 683-1950
838
Chinese Consolidated Benevolent
Association of New York
62 Mott Street
New York, New York 10013
Telephone (212) 539-5663
72
Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints
50 East North Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
Telephone (801) 531-2531
700
Total:
4,871
STATE OF WASHINGTON
Over the last several months, the Department of Emergency
Services, as the coordinating agency for Indochinese
placed by the State of Washington, has directed most of
its attention to individual problems of refugees in
communities across the State. Perhaps the most compre-
hensive concern voiced by virtually all refugees is the
need to improve their English-speaking capability, thereby
allowing employable refugees better access to the job
market. Working cooperatively with the State Office of
Public Instruction, English-as-a Second Language classes
have been established for refugees in schools throughout
the State. In many instances, transportation to and from
the sessions is difficult SO arrangements have been made
to reimburse sponsors or volunteers for mileage incurred
while taking refugees to class. Although basic English
skills are important, Emergency Services staff are working
closely with other State agencies, volunteer agencies, and
federal resources to include vocational components in each
class, effectively adding a greater degree of relevancy to
the class sessions as refugees continue to strive for complete
self-sufficiency in their new land.
Of the Indochinese placed in Washington by the State, surveys
show that the linkage between refugee family and sponsor
remains very strong. By and large, individual families came
forward to sponsor refugees when Governor Evans announced
the creation of the State's Indochinese Resettlement Project
last summer. These individual sponsors had the opportunity
to meet their Indochinese family prior to finalization of
sponsorship at Camp Murray, the State's intermediate camp
near Tacoma. The use of Camp Murray has proved to be one
of the most valuable component parts of the State's overall
effort.
Additionally, the State is in the process of creating a
"job bank" to provide direct referrals of employment
opportunities as they arise in their communities. The
"job bank" was not designed to duplicate services provided
by the Department of Employment. Instead, specific jobs
are sought in communities across the State based on employ-
ment data received from each employable refugee during his
stay at Camp Murray and on more current information
obtained through personal visits or questionnaires.
Also, a series of community meetings has been initiated
for the State's Indochinese refugees. The meetings are
designed to give refugees the opportunity to discuss their
problems with staff personnel. Significant efforts have
been made to assist refugees in locating and reunifying
families. In early May, the State was granted permission
by the U.S. Department of State to resettle relatives of
Washington State - placed refugees from other countries,
specifically Thailand and Hong Kong. Psychologically,
the fate of missing loved ones is one of the most difficult
"hidden" pressures Indochinese refugees have.
Help has been provided to refugees to establish several
newly-formed Indochinese Mutual Assistance Associations
across Washington State. The idea of creating such
associations is to allow refugees the opportunity to meet
together socially to discuss specific and general problems.
Moreover, the associations make recommendations to VOLAG,
State, and federal authorities to deal with concerns brought
forth. Each association is encouraged to establish legal
non-profit status by filing formally with the Secretary of
State. This non-profit corpórate status solidifies the
group and makes it eligible for other supplementary federal
programs such as HUD housing purchases and Small Business
Administration grants.
Many refugees have great difficulty coping with automobile
travel in this country. To deal with some of their concerns
in this area, a driver's education pilot program was started.
A comprehensive library of materials in English, Vietnamese,
and Cambodian has also been compiled.
IOWA
Iowa provided resettlement services for 633 Thai Dam
refugees comprising 77 families. Sponsors were located
in 45 different communities within 36 of Iowa's 99 counties.
Three of the families reside on farms. Iowa reported that
all of the primary wage earners and 70 of the secondary
wage earners of each family are employed. No one is on
public cash assistance and combined family hourly wages
range from $2.30 to $13.25 per hour. The average hourly
wage rate is $3. Five families have purchased homes, and
more than 50 individuals have bought automobiles.
English training is available to all of the refugees.
The State is presently concentrating on education programs
especially tailored to the need of individual refugees
including driver training and vocational education. For
example, the State is purchasing a cornet for a gifted
musician.
At the urging of both the refugees and their sponsors, Iowa
has contracted to serve as resettlement agent for 129 more
Thai Dam now in Thailand for purposes of family reunifica-
tion.
On June 15, Iowa is expanding its resettlement efforts to
include the 1,900 Vietnamese refugees sponsored by other
resettlement agencies in the State. The goal is to bring
the public cash assistance cases among these refugees to
zero, by many of the means used in the successful resettle-
ment of the Thai Dam.
With respect to the Indochinese resettlement program,
Governor Robert D. Ray stated:
"As a government and as a people, Iowa
has been warmly receptive to receiving
the refugees from Southeast Asia into
our midst. The obvious success of the
Iowa program bears witness to this. It
has been particularly appropriate that
in this Bicentennial year, this nation
and this State have been practicing the
theories on which this country was
founded. We believe that the resettle-
ment efforts have proven mutually bene-
ficial and many lessons of harmonious
human relations have been experienced
by the citizens of the United States.
We further believe that the true bene-
fits will be seen even more in the
years ahead as these new Americans
contribute to our society."
OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma has resettled 362 refugees. Approximately eighty-
five percent of these are attending State colleges and
universities. Funding for their education was obtained by
combining the $500 resettlement allowance with Basic Educa-
tional Opportunity Grants and work-study funds. A few
students obtained loans as well, through various loan
programs available to all students.
There have been no serious problems with the refugee
students. Minor problems have been of the same type
experienced by any group of students. Most refugee
students have made good academic progress, and the
attrition rate for refugees has been lower, on the
average, than that for a normal freshman class. Many
students have left their respective campuses as the spring
semester has ended. Most plan to spend the summer either
working or visiting family and friends in other parts of
the country. A few will remain for the summer semester.
Most of the refugee students have either pre-enrolled or
have said they will return for the fall semester.
Refugee students have expressed interest in such fields
of study as mathematics, chemistry, engineering, industrial
education, electronics, business, music and art, and have
not shown an interest in social studies or related fields.
English was described by the students as one of their
most difficult subjects, but all students have made good
progress and are requiring very little remedial training.
No refugees attending college have received any cash
assistance. A few have received Medicaid assistance for
hospitalization.
The non-student refugees sponsored through the Oklahoma
resettlement program are scattered throughout the State
and are doing reasonably well. Only one refugee family
has had a breakdown serious enough to require cash assis-
tance. Most refugees have become more or less self-
sufficient and are financially independent of their sponsor.
Transportation remains a problem although most refugees
who drove cars in Vietnam now have an Oklahoma driver's
license.
Although employment at entry level minimum wage and above
is generally available, some refugees are having difficulty
securing a position similar to their former employment in
Vietnam. Many of the refugees have either left their
first employment for a better job or have received a raise
or promotion.
Most have indicated a desire to improve their job skills.
Many are attending night classes ranging from vocational
training and junior or community college coursework to
English classes arranged by the local school boards or
local Social Service agencies.
On balance, the resettlement program appears to be working
in Oklahoma. Of approximately four thousand refugees
sponsored by individuals, Voluntary Agencies, or the State
in Oklahoma, there are only 139 active cash assistance
cases.
MAINE
The State of Maine is now making contact with all of the
State's Indochina refugees irrespective of which voluntary
agency is responsible for their resettlement. This effort
is intended to reduce the caseload of 19 refugee families
on public cash assistance, only three of which are cases
of State-sponsored refugees. There has been no increase
in the number of State-sponsored refugees who have left
Maine (21). With the cold season over, initial adjust-
ment to the climate made satisfactorily, and good
prospects for the future, Maine's newest refugees are
continuing to adjust well to their new surroundings.
Three families have purchased homes; the notes were
co-signed by their sponsors. Students are continuing
their higher education.
Ten-week programs are planned by the State to provide
English training to improve employment prospects. An
English teacher, a bilingual Vietnamese assistant, and
a job counselor is to be employed for each 15-student
class in Augusta and Lewiston-Auburn. Students are to
be provided a stipend while attending the classes.
NEW MEXICO
The New Mexico Indochina refugee program, as a moral
commitment, attempts to handle any refugee problem
regardless of VOLAG. New Mexico's program has done
well in the area of employment. More than 300 jobs
have been filled, mainly through the efforts of the
National Alliance of Businessmen. New Mexico has
provided job placement for all the VOLAGs in the State
using its own resources. Starting wages have ranged
from $2.50 to $3 an hour; those with job skills and
good English speaking ability make more than $4 an hour.
There are 35 family cases in New Mexico involving cash
assistance. Only 5 of these are in the State program;
the rest are registered with VOLAGs. Some Vietnamese
were employed but lost their jobs because of language
barriers and lack of marketable job skills.
In adult English training, New Mexico established
programs for illiterate Chinese-Vietnamese in Las Cruces,
Roswell, and Albuquerque. The program in Las Cruces, with
34 refugees is highly intensive and shows progress. New
Mexico used CETA money to initiate the program. The
programs in Albuquerque and Roswell, with 60 adults meeting
two nights a week, have now been completed.
In public education for children, the Albuquerque Public
Schools, using Southwest Cooperative Educational Labora-
tories methods, scored successes in elementary schools.
In high schools, of the twenty students who graduated
this May, ten earned membership in the National Honor Society.
Transportation was an early problem, but of 85 families
in the State, only 23 families do not now have auto-
mobiles. More than 50 refugees have received driving
instruction, and among them, twenty have received driver
licenses. Currently, about 15 others in Roswell and
Las Cruces are taking driver training, and through a
program set up by a local bank, eight refugees have
purchased cars.
Most two-bedroom houses in the Albuquerque area are within
price ranges that the refugees can afford. Housing is a
major problem for families larger than seven persons. The
State has received strong support from the Albuquerque
Public Housing Authority to overcome this problem.
DON BOSCO
FORD & LIBRARY CERALD
The Association of Vietnamese and Americans (AVA), a newly
incorporated not-for-profit organization, on March 15, 1976,
assumed responsibility for the 236 refugees originally
sponsored by the Don Bosco Community Center in the Columbus
Park area of Kansas City, Missouri. AVA continues the work
of the Don Bosco Refugee Resettlement Project with eight
members of the Don Bosco staff making the transition to
the new organization.
The condition of the refugees in Columbus Park has
improved significantly during the last six months. There
are 35 Vietnamese employed out of the 34 family units in
Columbus Park under AVA sponsorship. Another indication
of their growing self-sufficiency is the fact that there
are eighteen automobiles within the community purchased
by the Vietnamese.
AVA is cooperating with other institutions and agencies
in providing the following services to the refugees:
Karnes, the local elementary school, has more
than 70 Vietnamese students comprising approximately
one third the total enrollment. To meet the special
needs of these new students, one Vietnamese teacher
and three Vietnamese teacher's aides have been
employed by the Kansas City public school system.
At Northeast Junior High School, AVA's full-time
salaried teacher of English as a second language is
teaching a special class, one hour every day, to
the 13 Vietnamese students.
Courses in English are being offered in the
Columbus Park area through the Adult Basic
Education program of the State of Missouri and
Penn Valley Community College.
Health care needs are provided through Wayne
Minor Clinic and several local hospitals. AVA
provides interpreters when needed.
The Northeast Manpower Office in Kansas City is
establishing a program to provide English language
instruction and job training. This program was
expected to be underway by the beginning of June.
Presently, 23 Vietnamese children 3 to 9 years old
are enrolled in the Columbus Park Day Care Center.
Services are free for parents working or in training.
The initial resettlement period will be phased out
by June 30. AVA will continue to assist the refugees in
Columbus Park area but will expand its services to include
refugees city-wide. AVA already has helped more than
30 Vietnamese, not sponsored by the Association, in finding
employment, and has aided more than 25 other families.
Moreover, other Vietnamese are moving into metropolitan
Kansas City from rural areas and other parts of the United
States. It is estimated that with these refugees plus
others to be relocated from Thailand, the total refugee
population in Kansas City will reach between 2,000 and
3,000 by the end of this year. Although many of the short-
term placement needs have been met by sponsoring individuals,
churches, and voluntary agencies, there is a great need for
a comprehensive, coordinated program of continuing supportive
services.
AVA is planning to establish a center to serve the ongoing
needs of the refugees in Kansas City: The Association is
also organizing a chapter in St. Louis and is in discussion
with the refugee communities of Columbia and Jefferson City,
Missouri, and Wichita and Topeka, Kansas.
INDIANAPOLIS
Indianapolis sponsored 80 refugees, consisting of 20 house-
holds varying in size from one to nine persons. All were
co-sponsored by individuals or groups within the community.
These sponsors assumed the primary responsibility for
finding employment and housing, and assisting with cultural
adjustment. There has been one instance where the original
sponsor had to be replaced by another sponsor. Two other
refugee households have moved from the community. One has
a new sponsor and the other does not.
The Indianapolis Area Chapter, American Red Cross, agreed
with its co-sponsors that it would provide a financial
assistance program. All the monies received from the
contract with the Task Force are available for direct
financial aid; the administrative expenses are being
borne by the American Red Cross Chapter in Indianapolis.
Approximately 25% of these monies remain in the Chapter's
treasury, and will continue to be available to assist
the refugees until at least the expiration of the contract
period, September 30, 1977. The funds have been expended
on basic maintenance items such as rent, food, and utilities
as well as items to assist the refugees in becoming self-
sufficient, such as down-payments on automobiles, tuition
to a vocational school, and occupational tools.
For this report, the resettlement agency surveyed 41 of
the 80 individuals sponsored. All households are living
independently of their sponsors in rental properties.
Seven heads of households are employed permanently full-
time; one is employed; one is employed part-time; and two
single men "heads of households" are attending a university
full-time. Two of the households are receiving public
assistance. One is receiving food stamps and medical assis-
tance, and the other is receiving food stamps and cash
assistance.
Regarding English language ability, 13 individuals read,
speak, and write English fluently, 12 understand and speak
some English, four do not speak, read, or write English,
and one reads and writes English only. The remainder were
not characterized regarding their language ability: most
were small children not attending school. Nine of the
refugees are attending English language classes (not
federally funded).
Concerning education, eight are attending elementary
school, four are attending junior or senior high, and
three are attending college part-time. The health status
of all but one can be characterized as good. Regarding
financial status, five of the households are totally
independent, and six are only partially dependent on their
sponsors.
Four of the refugees surveyed are having no problems with
adjustment, six are having some problems but making good
progress, and one is having difficulty. (This refugee
heads a household of four; he recently quit his job to take
a higher paying but less stable job. He is now laid off.
He has very strong sponsors, however, so his future prospects
are encouraging). Regarding sponsorships, nine are excellent
and two are good. No sponsors in Indianapolis have asked to
be relieved of their responsibilities to the refugees.
Among the refugees who were not formally surveyed, a
check with the workers handling these cases revealed no
major problems. All these heads of households are employed
and only a few are receiving any public assistance.
CHINESE CONSOLIDATED BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION OF LOS ANGELES
(CCBA-LA)
The majority of the 838 refugees of Chinese ancestry
sponsored by CCBA-LA were resettled in four large groups.
All but approximately 100 who went to Detroit, Michigan,
were resettled in California. The largest group -- 300 --
were sponsored by affiliates of the Church of Christ in
Los Angeles and now reside in the Chinese ethnic community
of Los Angeles.
California Hydrofarms, a hothouse tomato grower, sponsored
146 refugees and provides year-round employment in Perris
and Lucerne Valley, California. Another 138 CCBA-LA refugees
were sponsored into Sacramento to work in agricultural jobs
which were terminated within a few weeks after the refugees'
arrival. Latest reports indicate that 80 of these refugees
remain in Sacramento and are receiving food stamps and
medical and cash assistance. The rest, approximately 150
refugees, were sponsored by distant relatives bearing the
same Chinese family names as the Indochina refugees.
All CCBA-LA refugees are provided cash grants equal to the
$500 provided by the Federal government for resettlement
by CCBA-LA. CCBA-LA has extended the hospitality of its
Los Angeles headquarters to a group of 400 Cambodian
refugees who have developed a self-help organization in
Los Angeles, utilizing meeting rooms of the Chinese resettle-
ment agency.
CHINESE CONSOLIDATED BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK
(CCBA-NY)
The CCBA-NY is responsible for the resettlement of 72
Vietnamese refugees of ethnic Chinese origin. Unlike
other Indochinese refugees, those resettled by the CCBA-NY
for the most part have relatives in the United States
sponsoring them.
CCBA-NY is attempting to develop jobs and placement services
for refugees both in and outside of their ethnic community.
Most of the ethnic Chinese refugees who are employable are
working but are generally underemployed. Manpower training
through state and Federal programs is being made available
to adult refugees in restaurant operations, bookkeeping,
and business office practices. There is a continuing need
for people to work in the sewing industry among Chinese-
American establishments in New York. Four to six weeks
are required to train individuals for this work.
The New York City Board of Education provides adult English
language training to approximately 1,000 immigrant Chinese
including Indochinese refugees at CCBA's headquarters.
Lacking paid staff, CCBA-NY has had some difficulty in
obtaining information regarding on-the-job training
programs, which are sorely needed as the refugees become
adept in English.
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS (LDS)
LDS sponsored 700 Indochinese refugees. Approximately
500 were resettled in Southern California and many others
went to Utah. The charitable resources of LDS completely
funded its resettlement project.
Overall, the LDS resettlement program is doing well.
Virtually all LDS refugees have taken English language
training. Many refugees in their early 20's are in trade
schools. Most employable refugees have jobs. Only a
handful of LDS refugees in Southern California are unemployed.
In Utah, only four LDS refugee families are receiving public
cash assistance
FORD LIBRARY & GERALD
D. OTHER FEDERAL PROGRAMS
OTHER FEDERAL PROGRAMS
Federal agencies continue to update their ongoing programs
to accomodate to the special needs of refugees. For
instance, on May 13, the Department of Labor clarified its
regulations under the Comprehensive Employment and Training
Act, making refugees on cash assistance eligible for
$30-a-month incentive allowances while receiving job
training under the CETA program.
Following is a summary of programs of the Departments of
Housing and Urban Development, Labor, and Agriculture,
the Small Business Administration, and the Legal Services
Corporation which are applicable to Indochinese refugees.
SERVICES FOR INDO-CHINESE REFUGEES
through the
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OR
CONDITIONS NECESSARY TO
SERVICE
DESCRIPTION
QUALIFY
WHERE TO APPLY
;ale of HUD-held
HUD owned housing pro-
Non-profit organizations can
Check telephone
properties
perties available for
negotiate the purchase of
directory for nearest
sale to non-profit
multi-family properties or
HUD Area or Insurance
organizations.
five or more single family
Office.
properties in an unrepaired
condition and subsequently
repair and rent them to low
income families (See rental
assistance below for possible
subsidy to non-profit
organization).
Public Housing
Low rent public housing
Families must register and
Local Public Housing
be certified as income
Agency.
eligible by the public housing
agency in their locality
(there are usually long
waiting lists).
Rental Assistance
Rental assistance
Interested families must be
Local Public Housing
through new "Section 8"
certified as income eligible
program available
for Section 8 assistance, by
through the public
the Local Public Housing
housing agency. The
Agency. (Ask to be placed on
Local Public Housing
Section 8 list. There will
Agency makes payments
be a waiting list.)
to the recipient family's
landlord to reduce the
amount of rent paid
by the participants.
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (continued)
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OR
CONDITIONS NECESSARY TO
SERVICE
DESCRIPTION
QUALIFY
WHERE TO APPLY
Rental of HUD units
HUD Secretary-held
Available only when it will
Check telephone
properties available
not adversely affect HUD's
directory for nearest
for rent.
sales program in those
HUD area or Insuring
cities where the inventory
Office.
is high and sales turnover
slow, curently in the
following cities:
Boston, Mass.
Newark, N.J.
New York, N.Y.
Atlanta, Ga.
Jackson, Miss.
Chicago, Ill.
Detroit, Mich.
Dallas, Tex.
Houston, Tex.
Los Angeles, Calif.
Seattle, Wash.
Mobile homes
Loan insurance program
Must be approved by local
Local lending institu-
for purchase of mobile
lending institution (Bank,
tion.
homes.
Savings and Loan companies,
etc.)
SERVICES FOR INDO-CHINESE REFUGEES
through the
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
These are DOL services which are most likely to be available to Indo-Chinese refugees once they
are resettled at the community level.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OR
SERVICE
DESCRIPTION
CONDITIONS NECESSARY TO
WHERE TO APPLY
QUALIFY
Employment Service
Job placement including
Some training programs
Nearest local State
counseling, testing, job
have qualifiers such as
Employment Security or
development, and referral
income and Aid to Depen-
State Employment
to available jobs or
dent children status.
Commission Office.
training.
Job Training
Training in a variety of
Unemployed or underemplo-
Same as above or the
occupations as determined
yed.
Manpower Program Office
at the State or local
in any city or county
level. Sometimes,
of over 100,000 popula-
allowances are paid to
tion.
participants while in
training programs.
SERVICES FOR INDO-CHINESE REFUGEES
through the
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OR
CONDITIONS NECESSARY TO
SERVICE
DESCRIPTION
QUALIFY
WHERE TO APPLY
Food Stamps
Food coupons are pro-
Requirements are national
Local public welfare
vided to eligible
with applicants required
offices.
households to purchase
to live in designated
food. Amounts and cost
area, have cooking
depend upon household
facilities and meet same
(family) size & income.
eligibility criteria as
any other applicant
household.
SERVICES FOR INDO-CHINESE REFUGEES
through the
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OR
CONDITIONS NECESSARY TO
SERVICE
DESCRIPTION
QUALIFY
WHERE TO APPLY
Special Program
SBA subcontracts to
Business owner must qualify
Local SBA District
disadvantaged business
as a disadvantaged person
or Branch Office
owners government
and be capable of producing
(See telephone
contracts to assist them
goods or services purchased
directory under
in becoming viable
by the U.S. Government.
US Government
businesses.
offices.)
Counselling
SBA furnished individual
Local SBA District
assistance to small
or Branch Office.
businessmen & prospective
small businessmen with
management problems. This
is accomplished thru the
following:
Service Corps of Retired
Executives/Active Corps
of Executives
Small Business Institute
Primarily limited to SBA
Call Contract Program
clients
Business Loans
Minority Enterprise Loans.
1. Total family income from
Local SBA District
Economic Opportunity
all sources (other than
or Branch Office.
Loans. Maximum loan is
welfare) is not sufficient
$50,000 for up to 15 years.
for the basic needs of that
family; or
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OR
CONDITIONS NECESSARY TO
SERVICE
DESCRIPTION
QUALIFY
WHERE TO APPLY
Business Loans (cont'd)
2. Due to social or economic
disadvantage he or she has
been denied the opportunity
to acquire adequate business
financing through normal
lending channels on reason-
able terms.
3. Must show ability to operate
business successfully.
4. Must show loan can be repaid
from the earnings of the
business.
5. Applicant is expected to
invest some of his money or
other assets in the business.
SERVICES FOR INDO-CHINESE REFUGEES
through the
LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION
These are legal services which are most likely to be available to Indochina refugees once they
are resettled at the community level.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OR
CONDITIONS NECESSARY TO
SERVICE
DESCRIPTION
APPLY
WHERE TO APPLY
Legal Services
Full range of legal
Individuals must qualify
Local legal services
assistance, i.e., advice,
under maximum income
offices (some are
counsel, representation,
guidelines established by
co-located with local
litigation and appeal on
Legal Services Corporation
community action
non-criminal matters such
guidelines. Cases must
agencies.) Local Bai
as consumer complaints,
not be fee-generating and
Association will be
domestic family problems,
may not represent indivi-
able to refer appli-
juvenile problems,
duals in criminal litigation.
cants to legal aid
housing, and welfare
office.
NOTE: Services are not
available at all
locations.
CLASSIFICATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
CETA
CORRESPONDENCE SYMBOL
Employment and Training Administration
Washington, D.C. 20213
TDCP
DATE
May 13, .1976
DIRECTIVE: FIELD MEMORANDUM NO. 166-76
TO
: ALL REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS
FROM
: FLOYD E. EDWARDS TEE
Administrator, Field Operations
SUBJECT : Eligibility of Indochina Refugees for CETA Incentive
Allowances
1. Purpose. To extend CETA incentive allowance eligibility to
persons receiving welfare payments pursuant to Public Law 94.24, the
Indochina Refugee Act of 1975.
2. References. Public Law 94.24; May 23, 1975, CETA regulations
section 94.4(tt) and 95.34(g); FM 438-75.
3. Background. Section 95.34(g) of the May 23, 1975, CETA regula-
tions provides for the payment of incentive allowances in the amount
of $30 per week, in lieu of basic allowances, to participants
receiving public assistance as defined in 94.4, or whose needs or
income are taken into account in determining such public assistance
payments to others. Public assistance is defined in 94.4(tt) as
supplemental income or money payments received pursuant to a State
plan approved under Titles IV or XVI of the Social Security Act.
Under Public Law 94.24, Indochina Refugees are receiving public
assistance payments similar to those described in 94.4(tt) except
that these payments are financed totally out of Federal funds.
4. Action Required. RAs should inform prime sponsors and SESAs that
individuals receiving public assistance payments pursuant to Public
Law 94.24 or whose needs or income are taken into account in deter-
mining such public assistance payments to others, are to be paid the
incentive allowance as described in 95.34(g)(1) as opposed to the
basic allowance for any CETA activities in which they participate for
which allowances are paid.
5. Inquiries. Questions may be directed to Wendy Leake on 8-376-7006.
RESCISSIONS
EXPIRATION DATE
September 30, 1977
DISTRIBUTION
L,P
MA 4-148
Sep. 1974
E. BUDGETARY DATA
OBLIGATIONS FOR EVACUATION
MAINTENANCE AND RESETTLEMENT OF
VIETNAMESE AND CAMBODIAN REFUGEES
Authorized by PL-94-23
AID Funded
AID/IPR
State Funded
Total All
Pres. Deter.
Funded
Cong. Appr.
Funds
Available Funds
$2,277,454
$98,000,000
$305,000,000
$405,277,454
Obligations - 5/31/76
Evacuation & Movement
Shipping (CINCPAC Fleet)
$
----
$ 7,277,000
$
---
$ 7,277,000
Shipping (Sealift)
---
6,401,084
1,952,916
8,354,000
Airlift
---
61,462,385
23,137,615
84,600,000
Camp Establishment and Refugee
Maintenance and Processing
Camp Set-Up
$ ---
$12,923,000
$
---
$ 12,923,000
Camp Close-Out
---
4,045,800
4,045,800
Daily Maintenance
---
2,766,364
102,236,636
105,003,000
Medical
---
1,300,000
3,000,000
4,300,000
Immigration & Naturalization
Service (Justice)
---
2,100,000
927,000
3,027,000
American Red Cross
---
1,500,000
3,920,387
5,420,387
Customs
12,470
25,000
37,470
Bangkok-Canberra Refugee Care
...
260,000
---
300,000
560,000
YMCA
---
---
303,360
303,360
Baptists
---
---
33,500
33,500
Washington International Center
---
---
7,900
7,900
Marshal Service (Justice)
---
---
991,860
991,860
Salvation Army, Guam & Others
...
---
---
401,845
401,845
- 2 -
AID Funded
AID/IPR
State Funded Total All
Pres. Deter.
Funded
Cong. Appr.
Funds
Placement of Refugees
Voluntary Agencies
$ 720,000
$
---
$ 71,017,000
$ 71,737,000
State & Local Governments
---
---
3,566,500
3,566,500
Inalnd Transportation
197,454
---
7,093,819
7,291,273
ICEM
1,100,000
--
9,300,000
10,400,000
UNHCR
---
3,130,000
3,130,000
Travelers Aid (Meet Prog.)
---
---
345,000
345,000
Repatriation Ship
---
---
780,000
780,000
Admin (including camp sites)
National Advisory Committee
....
$
---
$
--
$
35,000
$
35,000
State (Task Force Activities)
---
655,676
1,687,940
2,343,616
AID
---
1,572,721
4,100,000
5,672,721
USIA
---
29,300
102,350
131,650
AID (Disaster Relief)
---
-----
202,551
202,551
Labor
---
---
227,854
227,854
HEW (Including Residual
Activities)
--
-----
2,035,000
2,035,000
Other Government Agencies
---
.....
---
60,000
60,000
Total Obligations
$2,277,454
$98,000,000
$244,966,833
$345,244,287
Approp. Trf. to HEW
$ 43,000,000
$ 43,000,000
Remaining Availability .*
$ 17,033,167 $ 17,033,167
* Deferred for contingencies $17,000,000
HEW OBLIGATIONS
Authorized by PL 94-23
(Through May 31, 1976)
ORIGINAL APPROPRIATION TO HEW
$100,000,000
TRANSFERRED TO HEW APPROPRIATION FROM
DEPARTMENT OF STATE APPROPRIATION
43,000,000
TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
143,000,000
OBLIGATIONS
Public Health Service
5,500,871
Educational Activities
22,427,232
Social and Rehabilitation Service
49,830,968
TOTAL OBLIGATIONS
$ 77,759,071
TOTAL AVAILABLE
$ 65,240,929
F. RETRIEVALS
-127-
Supplementary Reports on Retrievals
The following reports of the Department of Defense and the Agency for
International Development provide updated data on the retrieval of
funds previously authorized and appropriated for assistance to South
Vietnam and Cambodia, but not expended, as required by Section 4(c) of
the Indochina Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1975. The
appropriations covered are "Military Assistance, South Vietnamese
Forces," appropriated to the Secretary of Defense, and "Indochina
Postwar Reconstruction Assistance (IPR)," appropriated to the President.
Military Assistance, South Vietnamese Forces
On April 21, 1975, the $20.9 million balance of the $700 million ap-
propriated for Military Assistance South Vietnamese Forces for Fiscal
Year 1975 was released for obligation against requirements specified
by the Defense Attache Office, Saigon and CINCPAC. On April 29, 1975,
the Secretary of Defense directed that all Defense assistance to South
Vietnam be suspended and on May 2, 1975, the Defense Security Assistance
Agency provided guidance and procedures to the Military Departments for
closing out the program.
So far, $29,053,843 has been returned to the Treasury. This is the
amount deobligated by June 30, 1975. During the period July through
May, 1976, an additional $92,100,711 has been deobligated.
There are still quantities of equipment and materiel originally funded
by this account, located in the United States and at overseas locations,
which are being screened for condition and suitability to fulfill
requirements by the Military Departments or other government agencies.
The actual value of this equipment and materiel will not be known until
ultimate disposition is determined. To date $121,154,554 of recoupments
have been realized. It is anticipated that overseas contract termination
costs will partially offset these recoveries. When this account is
closed out, we expect recoveries to total approximately $120,000,000.
Indochina Postwar Reconstruction Assistance
A total of $105.9 million is expected to be retrieved from the Vietnam
and Cambodia Indochina Postwar Reconstruction assistance funds. As of
April 30, 1976, a total of $100.9 million had been retrieved and an ad-
ditional $5.0 million is expected to be retrieved prior to June 30, 1976.
Contract Settlements
Of the 141 contracts terminated by the cancellation of the AID programs
in Vietnam and Cambocia. 164* claims totalling $23 million have been
received. Thus far, 53 claims totalling $5.4 million have beer. settled.
A task force consisting of contracting officers, the General Counsel and
the Auditor General was established to adjudicate and process these claims.
In addition, a contract settlement board was established. Contractors
have 12 months from date of termination to submit final claims. Because
of the time required to make claims, it is anticipated that contract
settlement will be the last to be resolved in the close out process.
Commodity Import Program
Deobligations continue to be made in the Commodity Import Program. Since
February 29, 1976, $4.8 million has been deobligated and an additional
$1.0 million remains to be deobligated by June 30, 1976.
* Because of multiple claims received, the number of claims may exceed
the number of contracts.