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1991.09.27 :  Appointment -- Dr. Nguyen Van Hanh to Office of Refugee Resettlement

Contact:  Larry Dye (202) 401-9215
September 27, 1991

       HHS Secretary Louis W. Sullivan, M.D., has announced the
appointment of Dr. Nguyen Van Hanh of Sacramento, Calif., as deputy
director, Office of Refugee Resettlement, in the HHS Administration
for Children and Families.
       "Dr. Van Hanh brings to the department a wealth of
experience in the area of refugee resettlement.  I am most pleased
that he has accepted this position," Secretary Sullivan said.  "His
extensive experience and dedication will be enormous assets to our
work on behalf of those who enter this country as refugees."
       Prior to this appointment, Dr. Van Hanh served as community
relations representative to the Asian community during the
administration of California Governor George Duekmejian.  He also
served as director of the California Office of Refugee Affairs from
1976-1981.  He has taught at California State University,
Sacramento and the University of California at Davis.  Dr. Van Hanh
served as a senior economist and financial manager for the state of
California, as well.
       The Office of Refugee Resettlement is responsible for reimbursing
states for costs of providing cash and medical assistance, and social 
and employment services to refugees.  The office also administers the 

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State Legalization Impact Assistance Grants which help states defray the
cost of providing assistance to aliens eligible to become legal residents
under the provision of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. 
       Commenting on Dr. Van Hanh's appointment, Jo Anne B. Barnhart,
assistant secretary for children and families, said, "Dr. Van Hanh is very
well-respected in the refugee community.  He knows what services can help
refugees to become self-sufficient citizens of this country." 
       "Dr. Van Hanh's experience at the state level will make an important
contribution to our program operations.  He is intimately familiar with
California's refugee resettlement program, which accounts for almost 50
percent of all refugees who resettle in this country," said Chris Gersten,
director, Office of Refugee Resettlement. 


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