Don Barnett

In the following viewpoint, freelance writer Don Barnett argues that the government should not offer refugees welfare benefits upon arrival. According to Barnett, publicly funded agencies involved with refugee resettlement encourage refugees to take advantage of federal welfare programs but provide little in the way of actual resettlement support. As a result, refugees lack the incentive to quickly integrate themselves into American culture by learning English and finding work, and a large number have become dependent on welfare programs.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Barnett, what sorts of programs were state welfare administrators encouraging refugees to tap into at the conference held by the Office of Refugee Resettlement?
2. In a 1996 federal study, what percentage of refugee households were receiving cash assistance?
3. In Barnett's opinion, what has replaced...