Approximately 12,001 refugees resettle in San Diego in the fiscal years of the 1980’s coming from Somalia, Ethiopia, and Iraq.
The Federal Refugee Act of 1980 reinforces relations between resettlement agencies and the federal US government. Southern California begins receiving about 35% of all SouthEast Asian refugees until at least 1994.
1980's Overview
LEGEND
Events in San Diego
Events in United States
Global Events
Multicultural Community Relations Office
1987
This office is developed by the San Diego Police Department to engage and build trust with the various refugee communities in the city, through non-enforcement interactions with the department. It creates youth programs such as the Southeast Asian Youth Program and an East African Youth Program to service refugee youth, educating them on PTSD, gang and drug prevention.
Alliance for African Assistance
This organization is established to provide low-cost immigration and citizenship services to refugees, asylees, and the general public. It specializes in family reunification, citizenship, and other miscellaneous immigration services.
1989
Apr 20
Cuban Boatlift Program
The boatlift program began after the Castro regime announced all Cubans wishing to leave Cuba and enter the US were free to do so. Organized by many grassroots American organizations, over 125,000 Cubans entered the US under this program. Cubans were not classified as "refugees" under the Refugee Act of 1980, but many were able to seek permanent residency through the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966.
1980
Bureau of Immigration Established
Created by congress to oversee admission of immigrants and refugees. Initially, this establishment resided under the Department of Treasury but was dissolved in 2003. Its role has been taken over by the US Department of Homeland Security.
1981
Mar 17
1980
Federal Refugee Act
The Office of Refugee Resettlement was created to provide health screening and services to newly arrived refugees. In California, this includes the Refugee Health Assessment Program (RHAP) which provides health assessments and immunizations to children and adults. In San Diego, over 52% of RHAP clients are refugees from Afghanistan.
1980
Sept 22
Iran-Iraq war
The Iran-Iraq war begins.
1982
Ethiopian-Somali Border War
The first Ethiopian/Somali border conflict occurs.
1987
Police Athletics League
This league is developed to allow officers from SDPD and the County Probation Departments to work with civilian personnel and volunteers to provide leadership and mentoring critical in promoting youth safety, positive life choices, and academic success. It later merges with Sports Training Academics Recreation (STAR).
