Vietnamese refugees in San Diego today contribute to the city's rich cultural tapestry, embodying resilience and successful integration into their adopted community.
“Vietnamese Refugees” describes the large-scale exodus of individuals from Vietnam, especially during and following the Vietnam War. As it is one of the largest and longest refugee movements, this humanitarian crisis marked a significant period in history (1). From 1955-1975, the Vietnam War resulted in widespread conflict and displacement. In April 1975, as North Vietnamese troops were looking to surround Saigon, the U.S. government initiated Operation Frequent Wind to evacuate American citizens and any Vietnamese individuals at risk. The U.S. Embassy then served as the headquarters for evacuation, with crowds of desperate South Vietnamese citizens swarming the gates of the American Embassy in Saigon. Evacuees were flown out by helicopter and dropped from the embassy to the U.S. Navy ships that were waiting offshore(2). The overwhelming number of people seeking evacuation became a major problem as there were limited spaces provided on the ships, and this made it hard to quickly organize the masses amid chaotic conditions. After the end of the operation, it signified the end of the Vietnam War, with the fall of the capital having been reunified under communist control by North Vietnam.
Besides going with the U.S., part of the Vietnamese refugees who escaped were referred to as "boat people." Out of fear of persecution and retaliation, these people embarked on perilous trips through the South China Sea on poorly conditioned boats that couldn’t survive in dangerous weather, nor was there enough space due to overcrowding(3). They eventually arrived in neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. However, these “boat people,” as the refugees became known, weren’t always welcomed or even recognized as refugees by most countries in the region. The Southeast Asian countries were overtly antagonistic to the tens of thousands of Vietnamese and Cambodians who threatened to overrun their few resources. In 1979, when the number of refugees arriving by boat reached an estimated 50k per month, nations like Singapore and Malaysia started physically shoving the boats carrying back refugees into the ocean. About 25k-50k refugees were the expected death count by sea, with many of the women and children having not been taught how to properly swim. There were days when they were left stranded without food, water, or anybody to reach out to for help.
The mass influx of Vietnamese refugees to San Diego, California, was primarily the effect from the war and it became the U.S. national goal to aid in their resettlement(3). After Saigon fell, the U.S. launched processing centers using government facilities as a stand-in for refugee camps, which gave them a new place to stay. San Diego’s location and proximity to the naval base Camp Pendleton made it an attractive destination for relocation. Camp Pendleton's pivotal role as a reception center exemplified cooperation between the government, the military, agencies, and local organizations reaching out for support. As the resettlement process began, individuals were given the opportunity for a fresh start in their new lives. The San Diego base became a temporary resettlement center and with many Marine and Navy personnel preparing throughout the night, they built enough huts to house the incoming refugees, all within 24 hours (5). Over the next two decades following the Vietnam War, more than 3 million people fled from Vietnam, and roughly 1 million relocated to the U.S. (4).
Moving past the difficulties of displacement at Camp Pendleton, the Vietnamese community in San Diego actively participated in community developmental projects, contributing to the growth of the Little Saigon we have today. City Heights is more than just a display of Vietnamese culture and serves as an ethnically diverse area for various communities. Many of the community include refugees from Latin America, Laos, Cambodia and has the second-largest community of Somalis in the U.S (6). After adjusting to their new home, Vietnamese refugees sought to establish an enclave in City Heights, the neighborhood of San Diego along El Cajon Boulevard. Although efforts were made during the 1980s, it wasn't until 2013 that the city formally recognized the "Little Saigon Cultural and Commercial District," acknowledging years of lived history and a place to reconnect to their past identity (4). Little Saigon is renowned for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Restaurants and bakeries offer a vast array of traditional dishes, including pho (noodle soup), banh mi (sandwiches), and many more regional specialties, providing just a glimpse of the culinary experience that Vietnam has to offer. My personal favorite is bun bo hue, which is the Vietnamese take on beef noodle soup. It is highly recommended as a popular favorite among the locals and non-locals. The district is adorned with bustling markets and shops, creating a lively, social atmosphere. Visitors can explore these vibrant markets selling fresh produce, herbs, and unique Vietnamese goods, contributing to the neighborhood's dynamic and immersive experience. One of the eye-catching things you can find at Little Saigon is their iconic street mural. Behind each letter in the word “Saigon”, you can see the image of a dragon and a cyclist wearing a conical hat, as a representation of reconnecting to Southeast Asian heritage. It is painted in bright colors to welcome visitors into the district and provide warmth to the community. Little Saigon hosts cultural events and festivals that celebrate Vietnamese traditions, such as Lunar New Year festivities, cultural performances, and religious ceremonies. These events foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with Vietnamese heritage. The Little Saigon San Diego Foundation usually organized the festival at SDCCU stadium and any of the proceeds would go back to the district’s redevelopment. Earlier this year, the foundation was working on a project to open a Boat People Garden(7). Their concept is the idea of wanting to bring nature to the people and a place for the community to feel safe. This is to bring the feeling of something new and fresh as the community is heavily underdeveloped with almost half the population living at the federal poverty level. They hope to also redesign public sidewalks for a more vibrant, and appealing touch. Now, religion is seen as of significant importance as there are many temples and churches across San Diego and not just City Heights. Temples and other religious institutions play a central role in Little Saigon, serving as spiritual hubs for the community. They contribute to the cultural identity of the district and provide a place for worship, ceremonies, and community gatherings. Two religions or practices that are prevalent in the Vietnamese community are Buddhism and Catholicism. From the food, projects, religion, and events, Little Saigon has accurately represented the culture & history of the community and acts as a social place for visitors to learn.
The Little Saigon neighborhood in City Heights is evidence of the Vietnamese refugee community's ongoing influence on the diversity and cultural richness of the city. In conclusion, the journey of Vietnamese refugees in San Diego is a testament to resilience, communal development, and cultural preservation. From the challenges of settling on foreign land to creating a bright, cultural enclave, the Vietnamese community seamlessly integrated itself into San Diego’s diverse and multicultural landscape. The U.S. government, local community organizations, and military facilities such as Camp Pendleton worked together to successfully resettle Vietnamese immigrants in San Diego. Together with their community, they were able to establish an intricately unique district, Little Saigon, that is immersed in Vietnamese culture and open for the public to adventure.
Sources:
Monteagudo, M. (2022, April 29). From the archives: In 1975 refugees begin arriving at Camp Pendleton as Saigon fell. Tribune. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/local-history/story/2022-04-29/from-the-archives-in-1975-refugees-begin-arriving-at-camp-pendleton-as-saigon-fell
Roos, D. (2021, September 1). How the end of the Vietnam War led to a refugee crisis. History.com. https://www.history.com/news/vietnam-war-refugees
Batalova, J. B. J. (2023, October 11). Vietnamese immigrants in the United States. migrationpolicy.org. https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/vietnamese-immigrants-united-states
LISC. (n.d.). The rise of San Diego's Little Saigon. Local Initiatives Support Corporation. https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/the-rise-of-san-diegos-little-saigon/
Public Broadcasting Service. (n.d.). First Day's Story Project. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/lastdays/firstdaysstoryproject/slideshow/life-camp-pendleton/
Magazine, S. D. (2021, April 5). San Diego’s City Heights/Little Saigon. San Diego Travel Blog. https://blog.sandiego.org/2018/12/city-heights-little-saigon/
Sdf, S. (2023, March 29). Opening the outdoors in little Saigon. San Diego Foundation. https://www.sdfoundation.org/news-events/sdf-news/opening-the-outdoors-in-little-saigon/
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