working in rural areas where many American-Samoans and Pacific Island people have settled. Whatever the country of origin, we find that all new arrivals have multiple problems of adjustment in the process of Americanization and that without special assistance from both public and private agencies, their alienation will continue. Such alienation breeds fear and misunderstanding, finally resulting in serious societal disruption. It is our experience that a segment of the population in Hawaii, while not overtly hostile, does resent the presence of the immigrants and the basic reason is that the immigrants are "moving in on their turf." Others strongly feel that immigrants are a burden to the State in terms of welfare and other assistance given them. The majority of the population reflects indifference to and ignorance of the new immigrants, despite the fact that most of the residents have immigrant roots. There is also fear of the immigrants, because of the stereotypes that have been attributed to them, e.g., quick-tempered, prone to violence, "knifehappy," etc. Faced with these negative attitudes and stereotypes, the romantic concept of the "Golden People" that some ascribe to Hawaii has, to the immigrant, no meaning, no application, and little relevance. Such a concept is as foreign to them as football and mashed potatoes. Hawaii's multi-cultural milieu makes this State a potentially great learning laboratory. One can acquire deep awareness of and sensitivity to other peoples and their cultures, their habits, customs, and mores. One can learn to appreciate the similarities that exist among the cultures and those differences which make each unique. Assisting the immigrants to preserve self-esteem while developing the means and tools to function in a pluralistic society, we believe, is mutually beneficial to the community at large. The Board of Directors of the YWCA of Oahu, representing a membership of 20,000 women and girls, respectfully requests the Subcommittee on Equal Educational Opportunities of the House Committee on Education and Labor to look favorably upon H.R. 9895, New Americans Education and Assistance Act. We support this piece of legislation or another with similar intent because it is vital to cities and states such as Honolulu, Hawaii, where the flow of immigrants continues to be a challenge. Sincerely yours, BETTE TAKAHASHI, President, Board of Directors, YWCA of Oahu. Re: H.R. 9895. SUSANNAH WESLEY COMMUNITY CENTER, COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND LABOR, DEAR REPRESENTATIVES: The Susannah Wesley Community Center would like to express our support for the adoption of H.R. 9895, entitled the "New Americans Education and Employment Act." Our agency has a long history of services. for the immigrant since 1899, and we are intimately aware of the problems the immigrants face in the community and State. Their social and cultural adjustment problems stem from two major needs. The initial concern of the immigrant is an economic one. Therefore, employment is their first immediate priority, particularly for adults with children. However, because many of them lack the educational background and employment skills, most recently-arrived immigrants are forced to accept low paying jobs, many of which do not provide an adequate income. Particularly for large families, both parents find it necessary to work. Some individuals find it necessary to obtain more than one job. There are also a number of professionally trained individuals who, because of State professional standards, are not allowed to practice their professions here. Some of them will be allowed to continue their professions only if they meet certain requirements, which entails, for many, obtaining a degree from an American educational institution, Should the immigrant want to obtain further education, training, or skills to be qualified for higher paying jobs or should he wish to continue in that profession commensurate to his professional or skilled education or training in his country of origin, he or she has neither the time nor the resources to do so. It is difficult earning enough for housing, food, health and medical services, and other necessary expenditures. The new proposed bill offers the immigrants an opportunity to compete equally for employment by providing them an opportunity to compensate for educational and training deficiencies. It will also free the individual from the burden of supporting himself and his family while pursuing this effort. It will also free the State and local governments to improve the general welfare of all their communities and people. For these reasons, we repeat our support of the proposal and urge immediate passage of the bill. Sincerely, NOBORU YONAMINE, Executive Director. SUSANNAH WESLEY COMMUNITY CENTER, Subject: H.R. 9895 American Education and Employment Assistance Act. U.S. House of Representatives, Rayburn Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR REPRESENTATIVE MINK: The Board of Directors and staff of Susannah Wesley Community Center commend you on the introduction of this bill and strongly urge its passage. In over our 70 years of involvement with the people of Kalihi-Palama we have become acutely aware of the impact made on the social service delivery systems of our community by increasing numbers of immigrants. We also are particularly aware of the outstanding contributions made by the immigrants once they are given a fair chance to compete on an equal footing. HR 9895 will provide the means to assist the immigrant in obtaining the necessary levels of health, education, job training, mobility, etc. to allow the newly arrived to make a significant input to the social and economic life of the community and the society. Few pieces of Federal legislation seem as crucially important. We strongly support the passage of HR 9895. NOBORU YONAMINE, Executive Director and the Staff of the Center. THE HAWAII ASSOCIATION OF ASIAN & PACIFIC PEOPLES, October 10, 1974. The Hawaii Association of Asian and Pacific Peoples submits a proposal for endorsement by the Pacific-Asian Coalition for nationwide support on behalf of House Resolution 9895, introduced by Congressperson Patsy T. Mink of Hawaii and referred to the Committee on Education and Labor. A hearing is tentatively set for this resolution on Tuesday, November 19, 1974, 9:30 a.m., at 2261 Rayburn Building. This resolution is intended to provide Federal monies to aid immigrants in various states, including the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands and America Samoa, by establishment of programs for the purpose of meeting the special needs of immigrants, particularly in gateway cities, such as Hawaii. It is further intended to improve difficult situations affecting immigrants in the areas of health, education, welfare, food, housing and employment through job training and opportunities. Financial aid is also intended to be made available for those immigrants wishing to move from one state to another for purposes of employment. Based on the fact that America is founded on the toil of immigrant labor, it would be in keeping with the Pacific-Asian Coalition's philosophy to support efforts designed to assist people's of minority ethnic groups. If approved, this resolution could relieve immigrants and their families to some degree as they struggle to adjust and survive in a new country, as well as lending relief to states considered to be gateway's in providing funds for needed programs. Appropriations would be based on the number of immigrants in the above named area's, with a basic criteria for funding set forth in H.R. 9895. Such appropriations will be administered by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. If endorsed by the Pacific-Asian Coalition, we request that testimony be offered by all regions of the coalition, and the condition itself through action of the Board of Directors, to be carried through by staff. The office of Congressperson Patsy T. Mink should be advised in advance of testimony being submitted for this purpose, to insure that said testimony will appear on the agenda for said hearing. Respectfully submitted, PAIGE KAWELO BARBER, TESTIMONY OF GEORGE K. IKEDA, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, COMMISSION ON MANPOWER AND FULL EMPLOYMENT Mr. Chairman and Members of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Equal Opportunities of the Committee on Education and Labor: The Commission on Manpower and Full Employment of the State of Hawaii which administers the State Immigration Service Center wishes to state its support of the objectives of H.R. 9895 known as the "New Americans Education and Employment Assistance Act". Since 1970, the State Immigration Service Center has studied the problems of immigrants entering Hawaii and has provided a planning and coordinating function in cooperation with agencies and individuals from both public and private sectors. The primary purposes of assisting immigrants are to ensure the maintenance of a high quality of life for all residents of Hawaii and to assure that immigrants become economically productive and socially adjusted to participate in building a better community. While the community's response to the needs of immigrants has been commendable, it is apparent that we cannot depend entirely on our own resources in developing the immigrants' potential to become contributing members and full participants in our society. This report summarizes the major problem areas as well as the major activities and services developed by agencies to facilitate adjustment of immigrants into the Hawaiian mainstream. I. STATEMENT OF NEED FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE TO THE STATE OF HAWAII A. Immigrants to Hawaii Both in total numbers and in proportion to the State population, the number of immigrants coming to Hawaii have a significant impact. Immigrant aliens who arrive in the U.S. and cite Hawaii as the State of their intended permanent residence constitute substantial proportions of the yearly increases of the State's civilian population in the 1970's: Source: "The State of Hawaii Data Book 1974," Hawaii State Department of Planning and Economic Development, November 1974. The 28,714 immigrants who came to Hawaii in the four years constituted the 12th highest number who came to a State of the U.S., although the State's resident population was 40th and its civilian population was 41st in size on July 1, 1973. These figures do not include American Samoans who would also be eligible for assistance under H.R. 9895. In the decade from 1961-1970, Hawaii had also received the most immigrants in proportion to its population of any state. Its "preference rate"1 was 2.89, 29 times as high as Mississippi's, although only 1.07 to 1.55 times those of the three closest states. Even that preference rate underestimates the current disproportionate amount of immigration to Hawaii. Using a civilian population base, the State's preference rate for Fiscal Year 1973, when it received 1.72 percent of immigrants to the nation, is 4.65. The 1973 rate is 1.7 to 2.1 times those of the nearest three states. STATES RECEIVING MORE THAN THE U.S. AVERAGE IMMIGRATION IN FISCAL YEAR 1973 PER ESTIMATED POPULATION ON JULY 1, 1973 Sources: Provisional estimates of July 1, 1973, civilian population in U.S. Bureau of the Census. "Current Population. Reports, Population Estimates and Projections," series P-25. No. 508 (November 1973); and immigration from Annual Report of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service," 1973 (1974). Hawaii's alien population increased from 49,642 in 1969 to 63,034 in 1973 (+13,392 or +27.0%). The numerical increase in the four years was the eighth highest state increase; the proportionate increase ranked sixth. In view of the facts that nearly 9,300 aliens were naturalized in Hawaii in the four years and a number of older aliens died, it may be inferred that many of the recent immigrants to Hawaii are remaining in the State. They constitute a substantial proportion of Hawaii's year to year changes in population in this decade. B. Immigrant Problems Identified 1. Employment Problems.-On the basis of its own surveys and studies and findings of other agencies, the following problem areas were identified by the State Immigration Service Center: During the years since 1970, Hawaii has been characterized by increases in unemployment rates. The average number of unemployed persons in the first six months of 1974 was 27,080, more than double the 12,510 in 1970. The comparable rates for each year increased except for 1973, a boom period in several sectors of the economy. The January to June average unemployment rates were: 1970, 4.1 percent; 1971, 5.7 percent; 1972, 7.2 percent; 1973, 6.3 percent; and 1974, 7.7 percent. Part of the unemployment problem is attributable to a continuous and large increase in the number of people who were working or seeking work in the State. Additions to the labor force included: larger than average numbers of youth and young adults, veterans returning to civilian employment, more military dependents, specialized construction workers from the Mainland, housewives seeking work, and alien immigrants. The labor force averaged 350,650 in the first six months of 1974, 45,650 more than in comparable months of 1970 (+15.0 percent or +2.8 percent per year). The 31,080 increase in the number of employed 1 The preference rate consists of the State's percentage of immigrants admitted to the United States divided by its percentage of the U.S. population. Hawaii's unemployment, labor force and employment are on the "new" basis which was instituted in January 1974. Although large numbers of civilians from the Mainland migrate to Hawaii each year. data do not clearly show that other than military dependents they have been a major factor in Hawaii's increasing labor force in the four years. persons during the four years fell short of the needed increase in jobs by about 14,600. A national study of participation in the labor market by recent immigrants shows that two years after arrival in the country 51.7 percent are in the labor force. On the assumption that immigrants to Hawaii would not seek work less than the national average, the conclusion would be drawn that by Fiscal Year 1975 about 14,845 of the State's immigrants in fiscal years 1970 to 1973 would be in the labor force. The number represents 33 percent of the increase in Hawaii's average labor force in the last four years and is very near to the increase in the number of persons who are unemployed. To utilize the training and skills of new immigrants and to ensure that they can make the maximum contribution to our society will require that programs to assist, inform and train them be expanded. Barriers to suitable employment in a tight labor market include needs for relevant education and job experience as well as lack of English language skills. Underemployment is common among new immigrants and some never obtain employment at their highest skill level. In addition, the State needs assistance to generate enough jobs to usefully employ the current inflow of immigrants in addition to other newcomers to its labor force. 2. Health.-Information on health problems was largely provided by the public health nurses who had contacts with the immigrants and their families. Among the problems reported were the following: " a. Pediculosis. Infestation of lice appeared to be common among the newly arrived children of immigrant families. b. Underweight children. Many immigrant children were underweight due to undernourishment and/or the presence of intestinal parasites. c. Tuberculosis. The Lanakila x-ray unit confirmed reports of the high incidence of TB among the foreign born, especially those who have been here less than two years, and among visitors on temporary visas applying for extensions. d. Dental problem. Tooth decay and other oral diseases were prevalent among children of immigrant families. This was particularly true for immigrant families living in areas where dental services were not readily available. e. Mental health. Mental health problems occurred frequently among young immigrant brides married to much older men. Maladjustments also occurred among other immigrants who were disillusioned after finding living conditions in Hawaii completely different from what was envisioned in their country of origin. 3. Education.-Approximately 2,000 immigrant youngsters 18 years and under have been admitted as permanent residents annually since 1968. According to the Hawaii Compulsory Education Law, most of these youngsters should be in school. The Department of Education was aware of problems among the growing number of immigrant youngsters attending public schools as documented in its 1968 survey. As a result of these findings, the TESOL Program was established in 1968. Despite the TESOL Program, serious problems still exist. The problem of not being able to cope with school situations has often driven the immigrant youngsters to seek their own kind and thereby has reinforced isolation. The immigrant youngsters need adequate English language skills in meeting the demand of their school work and in sufficient social skills in trying to live in two different cultures. New programs are needed to provide a transitional experience for children whose social values and background are markedly different from the western culture. 4. Housing.-Housing was a critical problem for moderate and low income residents of Hawaii. The problem was far worse among the Samoans and recent immigrants because of family size, financial difficulty and cultural factors which many landlords regard as undesirable. The survey for the Governor's Conference on Immigration in 1969 revealed that of 395 immigrant families, 106 or 26.8 percent had seven or more persons living in one unit.' Obviously, overcrowding exists. Housing accommodations for Samoans and immigrants since then have worsened. 4 Immigrants and the American Labor Market, Manpower Research Monograph No. 31, U.S. Dept. of Labor, Manpower Administration, 1974. Report on Immigrant Services and Problems 1973, State Immigration Service Center, Commission on Manpower and Full Employment, p. 10. Office of Research, Department of Education, "Survey of Non-English Speaking Students Attending the Public Schools", Research Report No. 58, Honolulu, Hawaii, May 1968. Governor's Conference on Immigration Proceedings, Volume I, p. 95, Honolulu, Hawaii 1969. |