Peril, Pandemic, and Crisis: Asian American Studies - Alexis Desany - Carter Lawton - David Wiley

18

Vietnam Refugees Journey to the US 

The militarized efforts of transporting refugees fleeing from Vietnam to the United States, Operation New Life, involved refugees making multiple stops in prominent US bases such as in Guam, Wake Island, and Philippines. As many as 2,000 refugees were staged to temporarily live in “tent cities”. After the Philippines refused to accept any more refugees the United States quickly made Guam the premier territory to place refugees. The Philippines had sovereignty over the US bases so they used that power to refuse to care for any more refugees. However, Guam did not have any control over the land the bases were held on and therefore had no say over how many refugees came from Vietnam. This move to Guam was a logistical and militaristic move. By using the military to move an immense amount of refugees they solidified their presence on the island, and therefore that part of the pacifc, and made a prominent impact on Guam’s economy. These refugees housed on Guam overwhelmed the tiny island and its inhabitants. The US military estimated around 13,000 refugees could live on Guam, the number exceeded 20,000 refugees. Evacuees were living in Guam until 1976 when the last one left for Pendelton. Many states in the US refused to take in refugees as they were not prepared but also had an adverse reaction to the influx of refugees. The constant moving and uncertainty these refugees had to face is nothing new in today's time as there are mass amounts of refugees all throughout the world. The militarized organization and transportation of refugees has adversely affected people seeking shelter in the US since Vietnam.