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Albanian Refugees arrive in US
Lavinia Limon, HHS Refugee Resettlement: "While the refugees are in Fort Dix, we hope to make this time active, and to allow them to begin their mental transition from what they have undergone to their new lives in American communities while they begin their stay." Where each family will stay is still unknown. The INS is moving thousands out of Macedonia more quickly than originally expected. Marguerite Houze, State Department: "We are bringing several planeloads in the next couple of weeks, in order to move people out very quickly, and relieve some of the burden on Macedonia. Approximately 2,000 a week will come until there's a total of 20,000. Many have said they'll try to return home, but they won't have to. Houze: "After a year they will be able to apply for permanent residency and they can apply for citizenship five years after that, but my expectation is that many of them - most of them - are going to want to return to their homes." First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton welcomed this first wave of refugees. These refugees were considered vulnerable - many are single mothers with their children. Some are elderly, and needing medical attention. They'll get that attention at Fort Dix, along with some necessities like showers, a warm bed, and toys for the children. They are also getting English lessons, and 'culture orientation', so they won't be lost when they move into American communities. Many do not have family ties in the US. ©1999 WTNH/WTNH-DT |