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1992.08.31 :  Refugee Resettlement

Contact:  Susan Long  (202) 401-5122                              
August 31, 1992
                  
        HHS Secretary Louis W. Sullivan, M.D., announced
publication of the Office of Refugee Resettlement Report to
Congress for Fiscal Year 1991, saying its findings demonstrate
"America's commitment to those who seek freedom remains strong.
       "America has always been a haven of hope for people
fleeing repression, and we as a nation are proud to assist them
in their quest for self-sufficiency," Sullivan said.
       The Office of Refugee Resettlement, located in HHS'
Administration for Children and Families, is authorized, under
the Refugee Act of l980, to help refugees achieve economic self-
sufficiency as soon as possible after arrival in the United
States.
       "Refugees often have special challenges, such as limited
English proficiency or inadequate vocational skills, that can act
as obstacles to freedom from public assistance," said Jo Anne B.
Barnhart, assistant secretary for children and families. "We can
provide resources to overcome such obstacles." 
       Highlights from the report include a number of ORR 
initiatives and data, such as:
     o    The Planned Secondary Resettlement Program provided
          unemployed refugees and their families the opportunity
          to relocate from areas of high welfare dependency to
          communities that offer more favorable employment
          prospects.  Approximately 1,750 refugees relocated
          under this program are now employed.  On average, the
          government recouped its initial relocation costs in
          eight months.

     o    The Microenterprise Development Initiative promoted
          microenterprise and self-employment among refugees.  In
          FY 1991, ORR provided approximately $950,000 to
          agencies to help them establish and administer
          microenterprise loan programs.  This new program allows
          organizations to make market-rate loans of up to
          $5,000.

     o    The Key State Initiative provided financial support to
          states to implement strategies to increase employment
          and reduce welfare dependency in refugee communities. 
          To date, the KSI has placed over 3,800 refugees into
          employment and saved $3.25 million over its costs due
          to welfare grant terminations.

     o    Since l975, the United States has admitted over 1.5
          million refugees.  

     o    In l99l, 122,000 refugees and Amerasians, children with
          a Vietnamese mother and American father, were admitted
          to the United States.  Of this number, slightly higher
          than l990, the largest group -- 54,451 -- came from
          Vietnam -- and included 16,493 Amerasian youths and
          their accompanying family members.

     o    Other refugees included: 38,489 from the former Soviet
          Union; 9,231 from Laos; 4,533 from Romania; 4,086 from
          Ethiopia; 3,930 from Cuba; and 2,650 from Iran.

       "Our efforts do not end with assistance provided in the 
initial months after arrival," said Chris Gersten, director, 
Office of Refugee Resettlement. "We follow each refugee's
progress and target additional resources to communities facing
disproportionate resettlement problems.  Our commitment has led
to increased employment and improved opportunities for
refugees."     
       The report is available from the Administration for
Children and Families, Office of Refugee Resettlement, 370
L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., Washington, D.C.  20447.

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