LEGEND
Events in San Diego
Events in United States
Global Events
1950's Overview
San Diego is predominantly a military town with significant naval and aviation industries. The 1950’s marks the United States’ continued rise as a global superpower. Economic growth and prosperity parallels an increasing xenophobia and fear of communism. The Cold War begins.
Creation of the UNHCR
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) opens in 1950, during the aftermath of the Second World War, to help millions of Europeans who had fled or lost their homes.
1950
Refugee Relief Act of 1953
Between 1953 and 1956, this act authorized roughly 200,000 non-quota US immigrant visas for refugees from communist countries.
1953
Hungarian Revolution
In 1956, during the Hungarian Revolution, 200,000 civilians flee to neighboring Austria. UNHCR leads efforts to resettle them.
1956
World Refugee Year
The United Nations designated 1959 World Refugee Year to raise awareness regarding the ongoing world refugee crisis.
1959
Aug 7
1952
Immigration and Nationality Act
Passed by Congress, this placed immigration and nationality laws under the same statue for the first time.
1955
Vietnam War
The Vietnam war begins, arising from conflict between the communist government of North Vietnam and South Vietnam with it’s ally the U.S government. The war would end in 1975, having displaced over 1.6 million Vietnamese people.
1958
Azorean Refugee Act of 1958
Congress authorized 2000 non-quota immigrant visas to victims of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions from the Island of Fayal. This was the first time Congress passed an act specifically supporting refugees impacted by natural disasters.
