Refugees in America: Challenges and Opportunities by Huy-Luc Khoi Tien Bui Ph.D. (Given at the Third Annual Refugee Day of the Department of State, U.S.A.) Today, the Third Anmual Refugee Day, October 30, 1992, even as we rejoice in the dramatic embrace of Liberty worldwide, we need 10 look back the profound changes in the world and celebrate freedom in America. We must also celebrate the hope that freedom will return to many refugees who have been deprived of it in other countries. The disappearance of the Soviet Union, the end of Cold War and the collapse of communism which is the most oppressive ideology that abuses human rights and causes mass refugees. But the refugee problem has still remained, it has become more varied than in the past. Asa Vietnamese refugee, I came to America in May, 1975. 1am so delighted to look ‘back with satisfaction on Vietnamese refugees’ progress achieved over the last 17 years. But Vietnamese refugees continue their struggle to survive, adjust to new society, and build up a rosier future for new generation of Vietnamese-Americans. ‘Nearly one million Vietnamese refugees have been resettled in the United States. Since 1975, their arrival was known but they remained in the shadows of the public vision. In 1992, strong and growing influence in America, Vietnamese-Americans are now beginning to make a great contribution to this country and make their mark on the American culture. The initial escape from Vietnam began under desperate conditions. Their immediate concern was to flee danger which threatened their lives. The trip out of Vietnam, -s are facing with hardship, suffering, hunger, robbery, rape, death. that are daily experience. It is estimated that hundred of thousands of Vietnamese refugees were killed during their flights for freedom. Freedom or death! No one thinks more highly than Viemamese refugees do of freedom as well as the pursuit of happiness. Vietnamese have been described as hard working, patient, adaptable, resourceful, and Practical. With these characters they have really flourished when they reached to the free country. Many of Vietnamese refugees not only readily adjusted to the new ‘community, they also made important contributions to America from science, technology, economics to the literature and arts. Vietnamese Americans will be pressed harder and ‘harder as our opportunities expand and we will remember this great country where we resettled.America is still the “melting pot”, that we have a deeper understanding of multi- culture and a greater appreciation for all people. This great nation has prepared refugees for the solid steps in their new lives just as history has prepared this nation to take its solid step towards the future. The doors of this country remain open for refugees because I have looked closer at what makes freedom such a special value of American life. How liberty empowers refugees to solve the hardest problems and how freedom leads 10 unity and prosperous society. My idea of a great nation is a nation who greets refugees. The United States continue to be a leader in refugee affairs and in the effort to ‘meet the growing challenges of the refugee crisis. The cause of freedom will rise forever and refugees of goodwill ultimately cooperate in the interest of rectitude. Today, definitely as never before in history, a new generation in Eastern Europe is reveling in freedom. Freedom prevails because freedom works, and that utilizes the freedom process from real change, real solution and real progress. Refugees’ lives shine with the bloom of liberty. We, as refugees, should hold fast to our stand and fix our eyes steadfastly on our future and be firm in our determination. Our firmness should increase with greater difficulties, and our courage should rise with prolonged hardship. America this is really the land of refugees and refugees have always made a great contribution to this country. Our nation has a lot of opportunities 10 influence the course of refugee crisis, to direct the course of world history in the next century. What challenges and opportunities! We must be prepared for the challenge. We must Jook to the future with great anticipation and optimism. Refugees do not allow obstacles 10 surround their minds and stifle their hopes. Their ability to contribute is far greater than they have ever imagined. They have had opportunities to live their new lives because this great nation is the land of the free, the home of the brave, and that is surely excited their imagination and challenged their efforts. The refugee's process of learning will be available 10 other refugees as a source of information, joy and inspiration. Refugees live the life of adventure and their courage so shinning that like a burning torch of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. It is where liberty blazed brightest and by its glow shed light on all others. Refugees everywhere in the world will join with America in celebrating the principles of human freedom. May the blessings of God descend upon refugees and remain forever. With God's help the future of refugees will be assured in a world of freedom, harmony, happiness and peace.