The Indochinese refugee resettlement effort that our government started in the mid-1970s produced a number of distinguished personalities. But even in this restricted company, Nguyen Van Hanh stands out for a personal story that is hard to equal. His long and committed service to refugees places him in the first ranks of eminent humanitarians.
War, famine, persecution ... have produced millions of displaced people and refugees around the globe throughout history of mankind. As the leader of the free world, the United States has traditionally absorbed the largest share of refugees in need and helped the newcomers become self-reliant in the land of freedom.
Honor and Trust - My Journey with America's Refugees 1975-2020 presents a comprehensive account of the exodus of the Southeast Asian refugees in the aftermath of the Vietnam War since 1975 and their adaptation in America. Distilled from personal experiences in service programs in California and later in Washington, D.C. at the national level, the author's professional and social interactions with State and Federal officials, charity agencies, and community-based organizations offer a rich presentation in personal perspectives of government policies and programs and coordination of the successful U.S. national refugee program admired around the world. The courage and determination of over a million Vietnamese who escaped the Communist rule, their struggle to gain self-reliance in the U.S. and their remarkable legacy continue the proud American tradition to welcome and assist refugees, leading to their long-term contribution to America's economic strength and cultural diversity.