The Hmong Resettlement Study Site Report: Fresno, California.
Author(s):
Reder, Stephen; And Others; Northwest Regional Educational Lab., Portland, Or.
Format:
Report
Publisher:
1983.
Language:
English
Abstract:
This document reports on the resettlement of Hmong refugees in Fresno County, California: what their employment experience has been, which resettlement efforts have been successful, and how current resettlement efforts could be altered to improve the Hmong's long-tern adjustment. Much of the data was gathered through personal interviews with Hmong and individuals working with Hmong in Fresno County. The first section gives general information about Fresno County and describes the general population, other refugee groups, the economic base (farming), economic problems, housing, problems of refugee services, and the very negative community reaction to Hmong refugees. Section II gives information on the size and history of the Hmong population who, according to one source, numbered approximately 10,000 in May, 1983. Section III considers a variety of resettlement issues, including lack of English proficiency, lack of job skills, discrimination, welfare dependence, lack of job search skills, and the lack of entrepreneurial experience and technical assistance for farmers and small businessmen. Also discussed are education issues, in particular the feelings of extreme disorientation the Hmong feel in the schools and their sense that the education is inappropriate for their needs. The final section considers secondary migration, welfare disincentives, socialization problems, and psychological issues. The paper concludes with extensive appendices, which include Fresno County welfare caseloads, refugee services available, organization of services, and transcripts of letters translated into English from Hmong in Fresno County. (CG)