Indochina Refugee Assistance Programs

The continuing and escalating flow of refugees into Thailand and other Asian countries of first asylum gave rise to important questions concerning U.S. commitment and involvement in the resulting resettlement requirements. Refugee migrations continue to pose potentially disruptive political problems for Southeast Asian countries and challenge the ability of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to deal effectively with the problem. The Federal Government's involvement in the refugee resettlement effort is comprised of direct financing of special projects for English and job training and mental health counseling, and reimbursements to State governments for welfare, medical, and social service costs for refugees. Two of the major difficulties encountered by Government officials and the voluntary agencies in the resettlement effort are the unpredictability of refugee admissions to the United States and uncertainties about the future of Federal Government refugee programs. A positive and predictable Federal policy for refugee admissions and resettlement would help assure that effective refugee resettlement is a product of a more organized and consistent national effort, rather than of fortunate circumstance. The basic provisions of the Administration's refugee admissions and resettlement proposal were reviewed, and the major problem areas were addressed that have been encountered regarding U.S. refugee admission and resettlement programs. If enacted, it would manifest the intent of Congress as a basis for the formulation of nation policy relative to the program.