Patterns of Adjustment: A Second Look at Indochinese Resettlement in Orange County.
Author(s):
Baldwin, C. Beth; Immigrant And Refugee Planning Center, Santa Ana, Ca.
Format:
Report
Publisher:
1984.
Language:
English
Abstract:
The Immigrant and Refugee Planning Center conducted a survey to determine the progress of Indochinese refugee resettlement in Orange County, California, in 1983-84 and to compare it with that reported in a similar survey conducted in 1981. As in 1981, the results of interviews with employers, residents, and refugees were compiled in four critical areas of study: employment, education, welfare dependency, and Americanization/community adjustment. As a result of evaluation of the 1981 survey, more time was spent in the current study soliciting employers' opinions and perceptions. The study found that there are currently an estimated 77,000 Indochinese refugees in Orange County, an increase of 22,000 from the 1980 estimate. The great majority of these refugees are Vietnamese, with small subgroups of Lao, Lao Hmong, and Cambodians. Some of the findings of the study were that the Vietnamese, who arrived in the U.S. with more education and familiarity with the English language, have the highest employment rate and are least likely to depend on government aid. Their greatest concerns deal with finding desirable employment and being reunited with relatives still living in Vietnam. The study also found that the employment rate and ability to speak English are substantially higher among longer-time residents than among newer arrivals. In addition, the study found that younger refugees are arduously pursuing higher education and expect a brighter future. However, Orange County residents continue to exhibit prejudice against the refugees; many still believe that the Indochinese have received preferential treatment by the Federal government in terms of paying taxes, qualifying for loans, etc. Taking all statistics into account, however, the study showed an overall picture of progress in the resettlement effort. (KC)