1953 – 1956

The Refugee Relief Act of 1953 aided refugees and orphans seeking to escape communist persecution, military operations, and natural disaster. The act defined refugees who lack "the essentials of life." Although it primarily focused on refugees from Southern Europe, it provided the first crucial opening for Korean immigration. It was the first time Congress had passed legislation that included a section explicitly providing for Asian expatriates. This opening would soon develop into a far-reaching, systematic adoption from Korea.