Resettlement re-cap: a periodic report from the Cuban Refugee Center, January 1966

              SPONSOR CUBAN REFUGEES
Fulfill Their Faith in Freedom
JANUARY 1966
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.
HOWARD  H.   PALMATIER,  Assistant  Program   Director
MARSHALL WISE, Director of Center HARRY B.  LYFORD, Editor
THE PLEASURE WAS SHARED -- BY THIS HAPPY
CUBAN FAMILY AND MICHIGAN POSTAL WORKERS
Jose Ramirez and family have relatives in Miami, but they decided
a few days after their arrival from Cuba to inquire about opportunities elsewhere.  Fortunately, letter carriers in Jackson,
Mich., had just voted $100 to help provide quarters for a Cuban
refugee family, and had written Church World Service to "hurry
up and get them here." So, within days the family flew to
Jackson sponsored by the postal workers and the Jackson Christian Reformed Church.  Other groups cooperated in extending a
community welcome and helped them start their new life.  Smiling
their acceptance of the Jackson invitation, the Ramirez family
is pictured preparing for the trip.  Elisa, 5, and Jose, Jr., 6,
are proud of new toys.  The father has experience in electrical
and plumbing techniques and was assured early employment.
-- Photo Courtesy Miami HERALD.
DIRECTOR COMMENTS ON VIET NAM EXPERIENCES
Recently returned from an assignment to help meet refugee problems in Viet Nam, John F. Thomas, Director of
the Cuban Refugee Program, points out that both here and
there the objectives are the same -- assistance to refugees from communist aggression.  But, he added, the handling of over 800,000 refugees in a small country of 17
million persons, who are in an arena of armed conflict,
makes the Viet Nam problem much more complex than dealing
with some 200,000 Cuban refugees in a country as large
and well-developed as the U.S.
Recounting his Viet Nam experiences while on a mission
to the Cuban Refugee Center, Miami, Mr. Thomas said:
"There is so much to be done for people over there that
almost every effort, no matter how small, marks progress.
their rejection Of communism, with its terrorism and intimidation, or because of military operations.  They are
unable to, or fear to, return home and they seek the security of provincial or district capitals.  The objectives of refugee programs both there and here is to fit refugees into a normal pattern of life as quickly as
possible.  Over there resettlement within South Viet Nam is often necessary.  Here we emphasize resettlement
away from Miami since it enhances opportunity for secure employment and housing.  The resettled majority in the
U.S. have adjusted well to their new life and are contributing to their communities.  The refugees now coming
from Cuba are joining their relatives in many different places, with the objective of achieving a normal life."
'NO UNDUE BURDEN ON ANY STATE OR LOCALITY1
IS OBJECTIVE CITED BY SECRETARY GARDNER IN
ASKING GOVERNORS FOR REFUGEE PROGRAM HELP
"If all states continue to build upon their already
excellent records of participation in the welcoming of
the Cuban refugees, our nation will meet this new
challenge in our best tradition as a haven for the oppressed and with no undue burden on any state or community. "
John W. Gardner, Secretary of Health, Education,
and Welfare, included this statement in a letter asking Governors for their assistance in helping Cuban
refugees "become settled and self-sufficient as rapidly as possible." Citing contributions which Florida
has made "in aiding large numbers of Cuban refugees
during the past several years," the Secretary wrote:
"There are two ways in which Governors can be most
helpful immediately to new refugees from communist oppression in Cuba and to the religious and non-sectarian groups in their states which are participating in
the resettlement program." The two ways:
...Establishing or reinstituting a Governor's
Committee on Refugee Resettlement "to lend
the prestige of the Governor and the good
offices of the state to the efforts of the
churches and civic organizations which are
arranging resettlement opportunities
within the state."
...Alerting state agencies to the expected arrival of additional refugees and requesting
them to cooperate with state and local resettlement groups to help new refugees become rapidly settled and self-sufficient.
Secretary Gardner noted that some Governors have
already taken steps to revitalize their refugee committees, with members drawn from both citizensr
groups and state agencies.  According to information
received by the U.S. Cuban Refugee Center in Miami,
at least four states — Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania — have reactivated
such committees, and a number of other states have
indicated official interest in helping refugees who
resettle within their boundaries.  Priority in the
new phase of the program is being given to reuniting
families which were split when some members reached
the United States in previous years and others were
unable to leave Cuba.  The highest preference is
being given to reuniting husbands with their wives
and parents with young children.
Vietnamese refugees are persons displaced because of