invasion and counter-invasion, has fostered lasting attitudes of hostility, paranoia, and isolation. In comparison to the West -- or even some Bloc societies most of the Soviet Union's population might as well exist on the far side of the moon. Thus, they are totally unprepared to deal with the realities and opportunities of freedom. Thus, they cannot be viewed in the same light as, for example, Irish, German, and Italian immigrants who arrived in our country in another time, to find another society far different from ours today. Regrettably, there has been a tendency among many "re-settlers" to approach the very severe problems of adjustment encountered by most Soviet arrivals as: "You are now in the U.S. you can be all that you can be. It's all there for the having!" Such, unhappily, is not the case. The new arrivals are totally unprepared for their first introduction to our freedoms. And to send them forth on their own, expecting them to cope, after a modest period of debriefing and adjustment, is a serious mistake. Similarly, it is an error to categorize or stereotype programs presently designed to assist the resettlement of Soviet newcomers. Each individual is a different case, unique to himself/herself. A Jewish immigrant usually can count on a welcoming committee of friends or relatives. A KGB officer, a diplomat, or a soldier cannot. And, yet, each of them is a different individual with separate dreams and fears. These are the immigrants which most concern me. For them, adjustment is the most difficult. In the first year, most are deeply homesick; for a Russian's attachment to his or her motherland is a basic foothold in their lives. Many seriously consider returning despite the likelihood of severe punishment, even death. I know. Because I nearly did. Confusion, self-doubts, and feelings of guilt can, and often do, linger for a decade and beyond. These "different" immigrants must be able to count on the continued support, interest, and care of those who arranged their arrival or first introduced them to their chosen country. Diplomats, for example, should be provided a profession that best utilizes their past skills and interest, permitting them to achieve the confidence of self-fulfillment. Likewise, educators, mechanics, pilots, soldiers, butchers, or bakers; each must be able to count on meaningful employment and a share in freedom. We have all heard the phase, "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness?" Well, the new immigrant knows that he is alive all right. As for Liberty, it is a mystery, confusing at best, threatening at worst. And, as for the "Pursuit of Happiness," - 3 he, or she, has not the vaguest idea of what they are chasing. The concept is totally alien and will remain so for many years. In my own experience, I do not believe that these critical areas are being given enough importance today. From speaking with them, I know that all too many of my former-Soviet immigrant-acquaintances feel that they are simply overwhelmed, lost, and/or unheeded by what they see as an unresponsive bureaucracy. I must agree with them. I, myself, encountered similar problems. But I was lucky. God gave me an instinct for survival, forgiveness, and the good fortune of a fine family in my new country. Not so for others. Take the case of Vladimir Sahkarov, a key Soviet diplomat based in the Middle East who came over to the side of Freedom in the early 1970's. A man of enormous knowledge and skills -- he spoke four languages he was first debriefed, then, incredibly, sent to a "hotel school" in Los Angeles. Needless to say, the experience was a disaster. - This example may be somewhat dated, but I can assure you that similar short-sighted practices continue today. Indeed, most so-called resettlement "handlers" do not even speak Russian. Whether or not a recent arrival can speak English should not matter. The fact is that most such immigrants appreciate the effort which also makes them more at home and eases adjustment problems. 1 In another area, let's examine the simple nuts and bolts of beginning a new life. Acquiring a driver's license, a social security card, credit, a bank account, housing leases or purchases each becomes a seemingly insurmountable problem. In some cases, the CIA -- now responsible for resettlement of cannot help because of charter restrictions on their activities within the U.S. In order to provide such assistance they must turn to "cover" organizations, etc. This is hardly a satisfactory arrangement. intelligence defectors - And what about lectures, teaching, or other positions and income generating activities? Here, also, the CIA can help only through the medium of "cut-outs." The new arrival feels that he is being passed from hand to hand with no one team or individual really responsible for his well-being. He or she often feels that there is no one to turn to, no one to share the greatest experience of life with. In a phrase, he or she feels that they have been "hung out to dry." Long ago, the KGB, for example, took steps to smooth the way for those Western citizens, who, mistakenly, chose their system over freedom. Jobs, housing, companionship, all is arranged to lessen the shock of integration. And it continues. The Soviet 4. Union, much to our own disadvantage, considers these individuals as "privileged" and takes great pains to treat them as such. This "elite" treatment may be foreign to our own standards and culture. But it is highly effective. Thus, it simply will not do to tell a problematical arrival: "Look, Viktor Belenko made it, you can too." He or she is not Viktor Belenko. And I am not them. And the loss of just one important arrival because of incompetent or short-sighted resettlement programs cannot be excused by pointing out successes with others. The Soviets are now wise enough to use these "returnees" to dissuade others from following their examples -- at least before they are shot, or imprisoned. - Obviously, we need a better program one that is tailored to the individual on a case-by-case basis and one that encourages and utilizes their capabilities to the maximum. This, not only to assist in improving the security of our nation, but also in guaranteeing the fruits of freedom which these men and women so desperately sought. Many have risked their lives or died in the attempt. Others, surely, were dissatisfied with their lot in the Soviet Union. Some even chose freedom out of spite for real or imagined injustices. Whatever the motivation, we have the moral and, let's responsibility to insure them that they face it, self-serving are not disappointed. - What Can We Do Better - After more than ten years of experience with resettlement programmers such programs and as they are I have a few suggestions on how we can improve our reception and treatment of these "special immigrants." First, the responsibility for the handling, debriefing, and settlement procedures must undergo a renewed commitment. Each member of the team assigned to a specific immigrant should be able to speak Russian fluently. They should devise a realistic and comprehensive program of counseling, housing, companionship, and ultimately, meaningful employment for the individuals. This commitment must be long-range, not simply for a limited period of time. The "sink-or-swim" approach to final resettlement must end. The immigrant has made the commitment, has taken the first step in the strange and frightening world of freedom. The very least we can do is ensure his survival even if it means a decade or more of care. Many will not require this "perpetual" care. But others will. Simply because they are "different" in no way makes them less important. - 5 - The CIA must be given the freedom to effectively manage these programs. If existing conditions do not permit it, then another agency whose charter will allow for an effective resettlement to take place -- must be given the responsibility. But, above all, the practice of shoe-horning immigrants into any program must end. The readjustment procedure has to be tailored to the individual, and those who are in closest contact with the immigrant should be experts in behavioral sciences and the handling of such persons - not on a transfer basis from another department of the CIA -- but as a career field, itself. It goes without saying that each member of the resettlement team should have a thorough understanding of Soviet culture and society. Moreover, these teams should be permitted to operate nation-wide, as it is often a good idea to move the new arrival well away from Washington once the debriefing process ends. Adjustment is a slow, gradual procedure. At first, every phase of a new arrival's life must be carefully programmed and supervised. It cannot be otherwise. Now this may not be our way in the U.S. However, I think you will agree that even one Yurchenko is one too many. We are only hurting ourselves as well as those who have had the courage to place their lives and confidence in the hands of freedom. - - - I would be more than pleased indeed, I consider it a responsibility as an American with personal experience to help in any area to improve the present program. |