World Refugee Day is June 20, a day to celebrate the courage and resilience of refugees all over the world. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Refugee Act and since that time, California has always been among the top destinations for refugee resettlement. The Refugee Act was signed by President Jimmy Carter and established the U.S. Refugee Admission Program and the right to seek asylum. It also allowed for greater numbers of refugees to be admitted to the United States. According to the Department of State, more than 3 million refugees have been settled in the United States since 1980.
At the end of last year, the Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to pass a resolution to declare Los Angeles a “Welcoming City” for refugees. Refugee resettlement in the United States has been decreasing and only 1,800 refugees were resettled in California last year, yet the number of refugees worldwide continues to rise.
The Los Angeles Public Library continues to support refugees and other newcomers by helping to connect them to job training or English-language learning or Citizenship classes. And, our New Americans Initiative continues to provide newcomers with access to immigration services. Residents with questions can make an appointment at lapl.org/newamericans or they can call the New Americans Initiative message line at 213-228-7390. While the library’s physical locations are temporarily closed, appointments are conducted virtually.
You can learn more about the refugee experience through the library’s many online resources and by visiting Refugee Forum of Los Angeles' Facebook page for more detailed information and registration for events.
Books by Refugee Authors
Reinaldo Arenas was initially supportive of Fidel Casto, but later was outspoken in his criticism, and as a consequence his writing was censored. As a gay man he was especially vulnerable, which resulted in his arrest, imprisonment and torture.
