This digest reviews the issues of identity and adjustment faced by adolescent Southeast Asian refugees in the United States. Most teenagers from all the Southeast Asian ethnic groups have adopted the dress, hairstyles, and manners of American teenagers, yet their ethnic identity remains strong and specific. This is particularly true for refugees who arrived in the United States as adolescents; they rarely make friends with American students, and have few cross-ethnic friendships with other Southeast Asians. Refugee teenagers are operating out of the following often conflicting identity systems: (1) Southeast Asian; (2) American; (3) refugee; and (4) adolescent. Refugees who migrated after the age of 11 have suffered particular stress. Despite their reputation for having positive attitudes toward education, not all Southeast Asians are excelling academically, because of both school-induced problems and discipline problems. The significant influx of Asian immigrants and refugees over the past decadehas led to anti-Asian sentiments, and even acts of violence. Peer pressure on immigrant students is even greater than on the American-born, but school counselors and teachers can help. Parent involvement is also helpful, but it requires bilingual personnel. Refugee adolescents often manifest problems in typically American ways, but the underlying causes of their problems are rooted in their pre-immigration, migration, and post-migration experiences. The stress of their adjustment continues to be great long after their survival needs are met. A 10-item list of references is included. (BJV)
