|
|
|
Home About CMAA Who We Serve
Our Partners How you can contribute Contact Us |
Credible estimates place the number of Southeast Asian refugees (Cambodians, Lao,
Vietnamese, and Amerasians) in Columbus at about 6,000. These groups began arriving in the 1970s
in the aftermath of the Vietnam war. Many have come to Columbus in more recent years
as secondary migrants, i.e. from other parts of the United States.
They tend to live in clusters. For example, many Cambodians live on Columbus' west side, in the Hilltop area.
A smaller, but still significant number, live in public housing and low income housing in areas
with high crime rates. The Southeast Asian communities have made solid beginnings toward acculturation, with many moving into gainful employment, better housing, and other indicators of self-sufficiency. Many, however, are now facing problems typical of the wider community: teen gang participation, domestic abuse, alcohol, and other drug abuse. Many adults remain isolated and unable to speak enough English to take meaningful part in the wider American community. |