Resettlement re-cap: a periodic report from the Cuban Refugee Center, October 1965

              SPONSOR CUBAN REFUGEES
Fulfill Their Faith in Freedom
OCTOBER 1965
RESETTLEMENT RE-CAP
FOR   ADMINISTRATIVE   USE
A PERIODIC REPORT FROM THE CUBAN REFUGEE CENTER — FREEDOM TOWER, MIAMI 32, FLORIDA
U.  S.  DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH,  EDUCATION, AND  WELFARE    —    WELFARE  ADMINISTRATION
U.S.   CUBAN   REFUGEE   PROGRAM JOHN FREDERICK THOMAS, Director, Washington, D. C.
ERROL  T.   BALLANFONTE,  Field   Representative, HARRY   B.   LYFORD,   Editor
CUBAN REFUGEE PROGRAM ISSUES NEW CALL FOR RESETTLEMENT HELP IN EVERY PARS OF THE U.S. AS
PRESIDENT OFFERS SANCTUARY TO ALL WHO SEEK FREEDOM IN ! FAMILY REUNION1 PROPOSALS BY CASTRO
Jobs for Cubans escaping from oppression! The call goes out again to the American people -- those who have
helped Cubans before; those who may now be moved for the first time to offer new lives to our displaced neighbors.
Emphasized again is the slogan of this publication -- SPONSOR CUBAN REFUGEES; FULFILL THEIR FAITH IN FREEDOM. Castro's "family reunion" proposal, quickly accepted by the U.S., offers new challenges in all parts of
this country.
You yourself, your neighbors, your church, your social and civic organizations all can play humanitarian
roles in the project launched by President Johnson October 3 with these words: "I declare to the people of
Cuba that those who seek refuge here will find it."  (See statement below.)
This promise calls for prompt action -- probably in your own community if relatives of Cubans already there
will be coming to join them.  Let local resettlement groups know of your interest and your eagerness to offer
jobs.  If no Cuban relatives will be coming to your area, let the Cuban Refugee Center, Miami, know of your offer for any Cuban who needs a sponsor and employment.  (See Employment Questionnaire Page 2.)
Bear in mind the four Voluntary Agencies coordinated at the Center for resettlement details: Catholic Relief Services, Church World Service, International Rescue Committee, and United HIAS.  Through these agencies
Cuban refugees can be sent to your area.  Write for printed matter, resettlement films -- other aids to promote
interest!
WHAT THE PRESIDENT SAID ABOUT THE CUBANS —
(From President Lyndon B. Johnson's remarks October 3, 1965 on the signing of
the new immigration bill beneath the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor)
"...I declare to the people of Cuba that those who seek refuge here will find it.  The
dedication of America to our tradition as an asylum for the oppressed will be upheld.
"I have directed the Department of Statej Justice; and Health, Education, and Welfare to
make all necessary arrangements to permit those in Cuba who seek freedom to make an orderly
entry into the United States.
"Our first concern will be with those Cubans who have been separated from children, parents, and husbands and wives now in this country.  Our next concern is with those who are
imprisoned for political reasons.
"I will send to the Congress a request for supplemental funds of $12,600,000 to carry forth this commitment.
"I have asked the Department of State to seek through the Swiss Government the agreement of the Cuban Government in a request to the President of the International Red Cross Committee.  The request is for the assistance of the Committee in processing the movement of refugees from Cuba to Miami.  Miami will serve as port of
entry -- and a temporary stopping place for refugees as they resettle in other parts of the country.
"To all the voluntary agencies in the United States, I appeal for their continuation and expansion of their
magnificent work.  Their help is needed in the reception and resettlement of those who choose to leave Cuba.
The Federal Government will work closely with these agencies in their tasks of charity and brotherhood.
(For Conclusion, See Page 2)
Even before Castro indicated that Cubans who
desired to go to the U.S. are now free to do
so, refugees were continuing to stream out
of their homeland by small boat.  Here are
some of the 67 men, women and children who
pushed off from Cuba in two small boats and
drifted three days without food and water.
They were picked up by a Panamanian motor
vessel, which notified the U.S. Coast Guard.
All but two men were transferred to a Coast
Guard cutter.  The two elected to stay with
one of the escape boats which was towed to
Key West.  The second escape boat broke loose
and was sunk.  After interrogations by the
Immigration Service the refugees registered
at the Cuban Refugee Center.
SAFELY OUT OF CUBA ~ 67 MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN
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