Lost in Translation

Online readers weigh in on “The Burmese Come to Houston,” by Mike Giglio, September 3:

Bravo: I am so proud that somebody had the heart and mind to bring the problems of the refugees into the open. If there is a way to send this article to the State Department, which I assume is the department responsible, it should be done. The agencies, I suppose, are doing the best job possible given their meager resources. However, if the fortunate among us will not raise our voices, the refugees will have no one to defend them. Bravo to you. Keep it up with follow-up stories, please.

Farida

Bryan

The road to “citizen”: As a refugee from the Vietnam War era, my family and I personally know the struggles that the Burmese and other refugees resettled into our city face. Although the barriers appear insurmountable at first, with enough time, and with great support from refugee-resettlement agencies and caring community volunteers, it is possible to transition from “refugee” to “citizen.” We could not have made it through without the tremendous support of the social-service sector, which is filled with compassionate people who go above and beyond to do what they can, with limited resources, often digging into their own pockets and helping out on the weekends.

There are also many generous individuals, community groups and businesses engaged in this work, and while their contributions often go unnoticed, they are amazing, taking the time to offer ESL classes, clothing, food, transportation to appointments, academic tutoring, mentoring and more. I know that agencies and volunteers working with refugees — and the refugees themselves — welcome others who are interested in learning more and in helping out; with enough volunteers and support, I believe we can alleviate some of the systemic burdens mentioned in this article. It’s a wonderful cause to support, right in our own backyard, and I hope others can get involved.

Quynh-Anh

Houston

Very nice article: As one who works with these folks, I see a glimpse of it but rarely the whole picture, and I think you’ve painted it well. I hope that things work out well for all of these refugees and those who are on their way.

Houston

Wow: Now I have a question. Why would someone from another country, who has not paid into our federal Social Security system, which pays disability, think that he should be entitled to disability? Why are we spending so much time and money on noncitizens when our own people are having such a difficult time financially? We allow our own citizens and legal aliens, who have green cards, to live in poverty just as the refugees do, but where is the spin in that? If we were still the economic giant we once were, say, post-WWII until the mid to late 1970s, I could see us taking in these refugees. However, we are not in that position. We need to take care of our own first, making sure that each and every child that is a citizen of the USA gets adequate food, shelter, medical care and education prior to our taking care of everyone else.

I realize that this is not the “PC” view. I realize that the USA is a country of immigrants, but let’s face facts: This is just not something we can afford any longer. I know it’s not “Christian” to feel this way. But it’s okay — I’m not Christian.

Charlene

Houston

Reach out: Thank you for your interest in the experience of the Burmese and other refugees in Houston. Houston is rich in diversity and hospitality. Its international, multicultural community makes Houston one of the most interesting places to live in the U.S. I am proud and grateful to live in a city that is one of the best in the nation for jobs, housing and opportunity for all. I am proud that this city is open to those fleeing from terrorism, genocide and war.

Your article highlights the need for us to do a better job helping refugees. The Burmese are hardworking people who want to work and contribute. They are very grateful to be here in America and appreciate what help they receive.

The resettlement caseworkers are dedicated and very hardworking. The system cannot meet refugees’ needs without the help of neighbors and volunteers. The resettlement agencies all have programs to train volunteers and are always looking for more volunteers. I hope people reading your article pick up the phone to volunteer. Scott Poteet is a great caseworker to work with and can sure use more help. The phone number for Interfaith Ministries is 713-533-4900.

The volunteers already working with refugees keep volunteering because they see how much they are needed and are impressed with the refugees’ courage, endurance and hope. Refugees face challenges which are mind-boggling. Refugees who “make it” in America are truly inspiring.

I hope that anyone who can offer info about jobs calls the resettlement agencies. Let’s help these families get on their feet and feed their families. They have been traumatized enough.

When we pass people on the street who look different from us, let’s look at them and smile and say hello. Let’s not miss an opportunity to welcome a stranger or learn a new culture. We don’t have to travel the world to see how other cultures live. We just have to open our eyes and hearts to see our neighbors right here in Houston.

Again, thank you for your coverage of this very important subject. I hope that Houstonians reach out to refugees with even greater generosity.

Karen Hahn

Executive Director

Center for Faith and Health Initiatives

Houston

Simple improvements: It is good that the people of Houston have someone who is strong enough to speak out about what is going on with the agencies. It has happened not just in Houston but elsewhere in the United States. Only a few refugees were lucky enough to have better assistance from other agencies from different states. Of course, there are quite a lot of volunteers, but we don’t know them, and we never met them since we’ve arrived to the U.S.

Someone from the agency mentioned that they’re introducing the refugees to America. Refugees aren’t demanding assistance in the form of more money, or demanding that they should have priority. But assistance they receive from the state government needs to be stable until they learn how to apply for themselves. Communication with the agencies should be reliable. When these kinds of simple things are done in a smooth way, then we can say that the government is accessible. I really appreciate Mike Giglio for his deep concern about the situation, as well as those who contributed their experiences for this article. Keep up the good work, my brave refugees.

Paing Soe

Volunteer: All agencies and staff are caring and compassionate people, and they try their best to help as much as they can. Most of them work overtime and after hours. As human beings, there is only so much we can do, especially with the economy we are facing today. It is unfair to try and blast the agencies for something they cannot control. The refugee experience is an overall struggle, but they appreciate being here. I am fortunate enough to help agencies and refugees by volunteering. Some of the apartments provide free ESL classes and support services. With enough volunteers and support, we can alleviate some of the systemic burdens.

Zugey

Houston