In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed Federal and State refugee assistance programs authorized under the Refugee Act of 1980, concentrating on the initial resettlement services provided by voluntary agencies under Department of State auspices and social services funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). GAO found that many interrelated problems have prevented Indochinese refugees from achieving the act’s goal of self-sufficiency as quickly as possible. Foremost among these problems has been the continued placement of most refugees in a few locations in the United States and the lack of employment assistance given to newly arrived refugees. Other problems which have seriously affected the goals of the act include: (1) limited monitoring by volunteer agencies to ensure that refugees receive services needed to help them become self-sufficient; and (2) fragmented Federal management of the resettlement program and poor program direction and oversight. GAO noted that welfare dependency for Indochinese refugees has been high and has occurred almost immediately upon arrival; these high rates are apt to continue unless refugees are resettled in areas conducive to their attaining quick self-sufficiency and more emphasis is placed on early employment.
