Living Without Status: Cambodian Returnees Coping in their HomelandBoravy Nhim

International Relations McNair Scholars Program

Caroline Kieu Linh Valverde, PhD.Asian American Studies University of California, Davis

Introduction

As of March 2002, the U.S. has been deporting Cambodian refugees that have committed aggravated felonies during their stay in the U.S.

The U.S. historically has never systematically repatriated any refugee back to a communist dominant country

The refugees being returned to Cambodia are Americanized, most having lived here a majority of their lives

Why are Cambodians even here?

During Khmer Rouge occupation in 1975 Cambodians witnessed the genocide of their own people, widespread destruction of their homes, cities, and institutions.

Why provide assistance?

1980 Refugee Act

United States moral obligation Cambodian refugees

Experiences distinguishes them from that of immigrants “The underlying policies of why the United States admits

refugees differ from those that underlie admission of immigrants” (Hing, 2005)

U.S. created the current plight of these Cambodian refugees due to the lack of sufficient support provided for these refugees to adjust to living and surviving in America

Background Information

The U.S. was not equipped to adequately resettle Cambodian refugees Refugees not provided appropriate adjustment services Cambodians resettled in crime-infested ghettos

No matter how long ago the crime was committed or time already served, refugees are continually being held for deportation

Present-Day Cambodia

One of the poorest countries in the world Average Cambodian earns $280/year 81% Cambodians live below poverty line

HIV/AIDS epidemic

Government in transition to Democracy High corruption and violence No legitimate institutions Lack of organization Lack of trust in government

In One Weeks Time…

JULY 18: Chhai Chhen, 33, was found dead at 6 a.m. in Prey Treng village, Prey Veng province. Police said that Chhen was murdered with an ax while walking on the way to Svay Antor market where he planned to buy a bicycle for his son.

JULY 19: Har Dor, 25, ran away after killing his brother-in-law, Touch Leang, 45, in the afternoon in Teuk Lang 2 village, Kampong Speu province.

JULY 24: Mang Mao, 43, escaped after killing his brother-in-law, Nha Chhai, 36, at around 7 p.m. in Cheach Choeung village, Kampong Cham province. Police said Mao killed Chhai with a heavy knife then cut his head off during the attack. Police said Mao was angry because the battery charger he was trying to fix with Chhai was not working.

Hypothesis

Without an efficient assistance program in place, returnees will remain reliant on family in the United States for financial support.

Offering reliable work opportunities will be helpful for these returnees to resume productive lifestyles and ease the transition and acceptance of living in Cambodia.

Research Methods Three Returnees interviewed and observed

Ages (1) 19, (2) 26, and (3) 30 (1) Deported 11 months, (2) 5 month ago Crimes all gang-related

Observed for 5 days Work, Home, Leisure

Interviews analyzed for coping strategies and intercultural relations Emotions: home sickness, depression, hostility, fear

Results/Findings Subjects struggle with integrating into Cambodian

society Lack of desire to completely assimilate into culture Cambodian community reluctant to accept returnees

Views returned Cambodians as foreigners or Anik-ka-chorn

Returnees working together for overall survival Cambodian Harm Reduction Collaborative

Program targets returnees for employment and volunteerism

In circumstances when returnees are not paid for work, they take care of each other financially Alternative funds include financial support from families

abroad and financial assistance from the RAP

Summary of Results

Returnees accept life in Cambodia but Cambodians are reluctant to accept them

Returnees still reliant on family in the U.S. for financial support

Subjects needed adjustment services to help aid them in resettlement but did not receive any Further deportations on suspension in part to develop

appropriate and useful adjustment services

Conclusion

Returnees need to be provided with services to address issues of adjustment in Cambodia that clearly were not addressed upon their own resettlement into the United States.

Both governments are shortchanging these refugees again by not having in place appropriate adjustment programs needed for these individuals to adapt in a developing country like Cambodia.

In order for them to lead productive lives and become independent of their family in the U.S., they need the appropriate assistance to

get them off their feet.

Next Steps Under what circumstances will the government

resume deportations? When and how?

Follow-up on RAP program What services will be provided for new returnees?

USAID looking for new coordinator to fill Bill Herod position

How does the new coordinator intend to resolve issues of the previous program?

Follow-up on relationship with CHRC and USAID Immigration and Refugee Policy Research

References

Hing, Bill Ong. “Deporting Cambodian Refugees: Justice Denied?” Crime and Delinquency, Vol. 51, No. 2 265-290 (2005)

Hing, Bill Ong. “Detention to Deportation – Rethinking the Removal of Cambodian Refugees.” UC Davis Law Review, Vol. 38. 2005.

http://www.fedgrants.gov/Applicants/AID/OM/CAM/SS-01/Grant.html July 28, 2005

Weaver, Gary ed. Culture, Communication and Conflict. Readings in Intercultural Relations. Needham Heights, MA. Simon & Schuster Publishing: 1998.

Personal Interview. June 24, 2005. Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Sherman, Leonie. “Returnees Shortchanged by Project.” Phnom Penh

Post. Volume 14 Issue 14, July 15 - 28, 2005

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the following people for their time and effort they have given me throughout the year for my research: Ronald E. McNair Scholars Research Program Caroline Kieu Linh Valverde, PhD Bill Ong Hing, JD. Isao Fujimoto, MA. Diane Jones, MURALS Coordinator Ray Shiraishi My mother for all her help (and connections)

Living Without Status: Cambodian Returnees Coping in their HomelandBoravy Nhim

International RelationsMcNair Scholars Program

Caroline Kieu Linh Valverde, PhD.Asian American StudiesUniversity of California, Davis