Bill > HR4649

This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement in Washington state, highlighting the humanitarian response to the displacement of refugees following the withdrawal of American troops from Vietnam in 1975. The resolution recognizes key historical moments, including Governor Daniel Evans' leadership in welcoming refugees, President Gerald Ford's Operation Babylift (which brought 407 Vietnamese orphans to Seattle), and the arrival of 34 refugees at Camp Murray on May 20, 1975. By the end of 1975, Washington had become home to 4,052 Southeast Asian refugees, representing the fifth-largest Indochinese refugee population in the United States. The resolution acknowledges the significant challenges faced by refugees, including the estimated 1.6 million "Boat people" who resettled between 1975 and 1997, and the approximately 600,000 individuals who lost their lives due to economic sanctions and political persecution. It emphasizes the state's commitment to compassion and inclusion, as exemplified by Governor Evans' stance against turning away refugees, and calls for continued support for refugees seeking safety and opportunities in America.

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=4649&Year=2025&Initiative=false