REFUGEES

In: The annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Band 367, S. 43-52

Abstract

Almost 20% of all immigrants to the US since 1945 have been refugees. Despite the lack of a nat'l policy, they have been admitted by means of a bewildering array of directives & special laws. The refugees came from widely varying ethnic backgrounds & experiences. They ranged from Latvians to Chinese to Cubans. In spite of their diversity, the refugees shared a common desire to find a land where they could rebuild their interrupted lives. They all faced the task of overcoming the same obstacles to integration in their adopted country. The major hurdles were to learn English, find appropriate employment, & control their bitter-sweet nostalgia for their native land. The refugees came voluntarily & were helped by the voluntary efforts of the major nat'l resettlement agencies & their constituents. In brief, the resettlement of these refugees represents an outstanding example of the willingness of Amer's not only to accept but to assist newcomers regardless of their racial, ethnic, or religious backgrounds. HA.