Speech #960199607

Negative public opinion is increasing significantly. given existing programs and resources. we can expect continued tension and further demonstrations. This is becoming an intensely emotional issue. "They seem so angry about us trying to stay alive. I dont know why we must be so much their enemy." (Vietnamese refugee). There are an increasing number of newspaper and television stories regarding the tension and conflict between refugees and Americans in various parts of the country. There are essentially three reasons for this conflict: Because many refugees do not understand American social customs. refugees often behave in ways which are perfectly normal in Indochina but are offensive to Americans. These incidents result in difficulties with neighbors and the legal system. Many refugees do not understand the "unwritten rules" of American business practice. The incident in Seadrift. Texas is illustrative. By encroaching on American fishermens customary rights. refugees engendered the illwill of local citizens to the point of violence. The Inablilty of refugees to communicate with Americans about their differences heightens suspicion and anger. Americans resent the real and perceived government benefits to refugees. Indochinese refugees are treated differently in terms of certain welfare and program benefits. sometimes they are given priority in public housing. Other low income Americans. especially nonEnglish speaking minorities. resent this special treatment. Other Americans resent the use of their tax dollars to support refugees from an unpopular war. The IRAP program has not been adequately explained to the American public. The belief that the government buys houses. cars and fishing boats for refugees is typical of widespread misconceptions. Some of these misconceptions can be explained by refugee behavior: Americans find it hard to believe that a refugee can buy a car or fishing boats with cash. unless the government gave him the money. "I am annoyed at these refugees who drive around in Mercedes and take food stamps and welfare money out of a Gucci purse in supermarket lines." (newspaper poll) These factors are contributing to misunderstandings and tension in many communities. A random telephone survey of 80 Americans indicates that recent press coverage on refugees is reaching most of the population. Almost half expressed negative feelings. while only onethird had a positive reaction to bringing the refugees here. If the refugees are admitted to the country. however. 45 percent of the respondents indicated they would welcome them in their city. C. Unless program policy changes are instituted and additional resources secured. newly arriving refugees will cause greater strain in many communities. Refugees are currently receiving insufficient assistance. particularly with orientation. English language and employment training. New arrivals are believed to need much more assistance than those who came in the first wave. They will initially increase welfare rolls. need more time to learn English. require comprehensive orientation to western social/economic practices and need thorough health screening and treatment. Most voluntary agencies say they can handle additional large numbers of refugees if additional resources are provided. however. most other service providers do not believe they can serve substantial numbers of refugees even if funding were increased commensurately. This study raises some serious questions about the quantity and quality of services currently provided. If the numbers are doubled. funds will have to be doubled just to continue the patchwork of services currently available. A far more creative approach must be taken to give refugees a basic set ot tools with which to enter the American mainstream. Although there are many difficulties in providing assistance to refugees. numerous respondents comment on the remarkable inner strength and energy of the refugees despite their war and Asian camp experiences. "Overall. their resiliency is much more startling than their depression. They are doing much better than they should be. considering what they have been through. These people are survivorsthey can do most anything." (Mental health counselor).