The look of the refugees coming to Utah will change soon.
No longer will teenagers and young adults leave a homeland that was cruel to them because they were Amerasian - Vietnamese children fathered by American soldiers. Most of them already have been resettled.The new group will be older - most at least 50. The majority of them are very intellectual. They are people who spoke forbidden words of support for the United States during the Vietnam War. For that, they received time in jails and prisons. Now, almost 20 years after the war ended, officials estimate that 50,000 former Vietnamese political prisoners will resettle. Utah, as a key relocation area, will get its share. About 300 already have arrived.
The challenges they will face in new homes in a new country will be difficult and at times frustrating, said Moon Ji, Utah's refugee resettlement coordinator.
"These are not young political prisoners," Ji said. "Most are over 50. And even for Americans over 50 it is hard to find a job. Fortunately, they have their own supportive group and they're helping each other. Their assimilation is not faster than the emigration population, but they do
assimilate."
Because they are part of the Orderly Departure Program, the resettlement process is faster, about one year. They don't have to go to resettlement camps. The process is smooth in Utah because Catholic Community Services has so much experience helping Southeast Asians relocate, Ji said. Programs are in place to help. And the numbers are smaller. Three years ago up to 1,000 refugees of all types came into Utah. Last year, officials welcomed about 600.
But in other ways the process has become more difficult. Five years ago, a refugee arriving in Utah could qualify for up to 18 months of public assistance. That has been cut to eight months and refugee advocates are just trying to hold the line to avoid further cuts. Refugees can also receive medical assistance for eight months. Then special funding provides other programs, like employment services, English as a second language, help with social adjustments preventive and mental health services.
The federal government pays the total cost of the refugee resettlement program, but it is now trying to pass some of that burden to the state, Ji said.
The move to a new land may be hardest for the women, according to Ji. "They try to be caregivers, maintain the home and preserve the culture. If we can teach a wife we can teach a society. But the reality is, they have to go out to work if they hope to be able to buy a home."
That's no different than American women, but most refugees are also struggling to learn a new language and different customs. Ji said it leads to depression and frustration.
Former prisoners of Vietnam aren't the only new faces coming to Utah. Recently refugees have arrived from Bosnia, the former Soviet Union, Poland and Czechoslovakia. Utah also has processed and welcomed about 100 Iranians and Iraqis.
Most refugees find sponsors and assistance through Catholic Community Services, the Tolstoy Foundation and the Jewish community, which provide help for the first 90 days. If they need further help, they receive it from the state's refugee office, which also finds a job for those who are capable of working right away.
Since 1975, Utah has welcomed more than 15,000 refugees.