YOUR COMMENTS

i have worked every almost ever Saturday as a volunteer with regfugees in Atlanta. Refugee generally come here under duress and not choice. The regfugee resettlement system is broken. There is no welfare safety net. The Bhutanese have no place to go-they are stateless and have no passports. Nepal and Bhutan do not want them. Some of you "granite" readers would probably want them to spend all their life in regugee camps.
I always marvel at people who can critique from afar. I am sure none of the critics have met and spent quality time with refugees. How can people be so hard

We are ostensibly a Judeo-Christian country. Do those who rant and rave portend to be Chrisitians? Do they not realize but for fate they could be a refugee?

As to welfare. In our state refugees are usually on Refugee Cash Assistance for 8 months. A family of 5 gets $380/m. The resettlement agencies have to scramble for the rest. We have an estimated 45% unemployment rate for refugees here over 6 months. If not for some help from the Indian American community, many Bhutanese would have been evicted.

Obama increased the refugee limit from 50,000 to 80,000. This is crazy when there are no jobs. Morally, I believe we have an obligation to take those who are stateless. You might argue differently for some others. The old paradigm was a private public partnership with self sufficiency in 90 days. It does not work. We should support refugees for a year assuming they get job, English and cultural training

We have little crime committed by refugees and many are crime vivtims. There is a small minority of Muslims who are Islamicized. One cannot conemn a whole religion or nationality(Somali) as Refugee Resettlement Watch blog does.
We have 80% of Bsonian Muslims in Atlanta owning homes. The Meskhetian Turkish community has also been suceesful. We have 7 refugees on full scholarship to Berry colleg

I do not understand the cruelty of so many of your readers.

The Bhutanes are highly spiritual and reserved folks. It has been my favorite community. I cannot help but think the backlash is addressed in the way it is because most refugees are Muslim and no we have a predominate Hindu group. I think if the refugees were from Denmark or England, people would be less nasty

I am a humanist. I believe we are obligated to help those less fortunate. I hope those that are so hateful can sleep at night. They ought to hear the stories from the families before passing judgement. I am proud to say we in Georgia a definite conservative state do not see an anti refugee backlash.

I feel sorry for those venegeful nasty people who hate refugees. They also need to realize the differences between refugee and immigrant.
- r parker, atlanta ga

I suppose that the majority of people posting negative comments on this board against immigration and against refugee resettlement should have just had great grandparents and ancestors that should have just STAYED in their respective countries and starved and subjected their families to pogroms and other forms of genocide.

we would have been better off without all of you ignorant 4th, 5th and 6th generations if your ancestors hadn't held out hope for a better life in America too.

think before you speak you ignorant people. know your roots. WE ARE ALL IMMIGRANTS if you look far enough down the line.
- Common Sense and Compassion, Gilmanton NH

To the people here that aren't happy with the criticism of the comments... yes America has been the land of immigrants for years, the fact is we can't support them now. What bothers me is why can't other countries improve what they have instead of being at constant war? Should we be responsible for every countries citizens if they cannot take it upon themselves to improve their own country on their own?

It seems to me like America has to bail out quite a few people across the world. I'm not asking for a bailout, I just want some common sense and bringing in people looking for jobs is asinine.
- Larry, Manchester

I am cracking up truly . They cannot read these comments for one they do not have internet if you read the article they had cable that barely worked on their tvs. I can appreciate many of these comments on both sides. Bring back Church & ethics & morals & get the illegals out that are draining our system. Spend the tax dollars to feed & shelter & provide healthcare to those who deserve it & need a hand getting on their feet not to those who are here to live on it. Take care of our vets & homeless & devise a program to help our middleclass when they need a hand ! Sorry but I was born & raised American & am 5th generation American Born. I never had the money to go to college nor did anyone in my family. We work for what we have & now don't have. No one is helping us out & we lost our business. keep looking up , keep working hard & keep on voting to change the way America has become. I agree get rid of the brass & start over. If there is no good underdog to vote for ? VOTE FOR NONE!!!! STOP WHINING & TAKE ACTION! GOD YOU SAY GOD ????? PRAYER NO PRAYER IN OUR CLASSROOMS ? IF YOUR KID DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT HE CAN STEP OUT IN THE HALL MY KID NEEDS PRAYER & THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ! NO WONDER THIS DAM COUNTRY HAS NO RESPECT!!! All the respect has been taken away . I apologize to our new rufugees because AMERICANS HAVE LOST ALL THEIR MORALS & THEIR MANNERS. Bring back the old fashioned way neighbor helping neighbor not shooting neighbor. Take you children back to church & get the filth off the tvs. America take back your RESPECT!
- joe, e. hamsptead

You guys should try standing out on the street, holding a sign that reads "3 Kids, Will Work for Food" and when someone offers you a job, refuse it and ask for the money anyway. That's what NH citizens do. Then you will fit in and make a bunch of money too.
- Rich, Manchester

Brendan in Manchester,

I never advocated that I, nor you, nor anyone ever kick someone when they are down. I advocated that we not use tax money to spend on any special interest group, including refugees. That is not the role of government to provide for you. That is for you to do for you.

I am not a Derry native. Like many in NH I grew out of state, in California and through hard work earned a full ride scholarship to Dartmouth for grad medical education. Without that I likely would not have found this Great State. It was the self reliance of the people, the compassion of the people that contributed to my decsion to stay and start a family. As for my ancestors, one of my maternal grandfathers was Hans Herr who received the land grant from William Penn for Lancaster, PA. My maternal family has several members who fought in our first war for independence. My Father's parents immigrated from Lebanon as dirt poor farmers. My dad lived in a one room house and grew up during the great depression in a severely impoverished family. There was no government aid and jobs were hard to find. My Father became a SR VP at Merill Lynch for 23 years, one of his brothers practiced medicine as an OB/GYN for 30+ years. Another became a very succesful Avocado farmer. Why? because there were no government handouts and their parents tought them the value of an education and ability to provide for yourself.

Brendan, I am quite familiar with recent immigrants and long ago immigrants. Neither group has ever needed a handout to be succesful in their pursuit of happiness. How much of your hard earned money have you personally invested in these refugees? Are you merely advocating spending other people's money for a cause in which you believe?


inHey Michael Layon from Derry way to kick a guy when he's down, or in this case 2 guys. I know you're a saint and all for doing your civic duty and paying your taxes but the least you could do is have some compassion for those who are struggling. I'm sure you just congealed into being as a native of Derry, and surely none of your ancestors came from another country right? I suggest all of you who posted here whining about welfare take a walk in someone else's shoes before you start making assumptions.
- Michael Layon, Derry

The ignorance of some who have commented is very disappointing...I am the proud great-grand child of both Irish and Sweedish immigrants...The beauty of America is it's acceptance of cultural diversity. This family is very unfortunate and does not need hostile comments and negativity. They have not come to the US illegally, but have immigrated to give themselves and their children a chance to have the freedoms that many of us take for granted. Shame on all of you who just couldn't resist to kick a young family when they are already down and struggling. I hope you all can sleep better tonight.
- Stephanie, Nashua, NH

Thats funny...

I have paid into the system all my life... and immigrants that have not contributed are whining that they can not find the American Dream? Who is the liberal jerk that brought them here?

I just hope that there is some of my money left for me by the time I finish my working life...
- John Smith, Manchester

If you cannot afford to live here, then go back to your home country and stop taking the money out of my wallet.

Until the govt gives me, an American Citizen who pays taxes, the same "subsidies" and assistance they are giving you, I cannot support you.

I applaud you for coming over legally, but that still does not give you a right to suck our govt of money. If your initial govt assistance has run dry and you run out of money, go back to your country of citizenship and try coming back when times are better and this govt finally does something about all the illegals who are taking the jobs that YOU, a legal alien, deserve.
- B, Nashua

Finally I understand why this is called the Granite State. Granite is cold and hard and unforgiving, and the New Hampshire people have granite in their heads and granite for hearts.
- Elizabeth C, Milford

It's hard enough to achieve the american dream when you're born hear, never mind as a refugee. . . what are these people thinking? Go back to your farms in the old country and be happy.
- joe, manch-york-city

There is no reason why my tax dollars should be spent on people flowing into this country to take jobs that we don't have. I cannot wait until we have had enough here and finally snap, I hope it happens soon because the passive Americans have ruined this country.
- Larry, Manchester

See for yourselves how many get handouts. Even worse is when they bring elderly (I saw a 92 year old woman and her 70 year old arrived in Manchester two years ago). They received Social Security within 6 months even though they haven't paid a dime.

Here's the details about the percentage of Refugees receiving our taxpayer money

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/data/05arc8.htm#7
- NH Lady, Merrimack

It's hard not to hear the resentment of Americans whose hard-earned incomes support the resettlement efforts.

While these supports are new and controversial, native-born Americans received benefits far greater than two months of rent and foodstamps. We benefited from birth, education, healthcare and job opportunities in America. If we feel threatened by Nepali immigrants, then we need to look carefully in the mirror and question how we squandered those opportunities.

My Irish heritage recalls the "No Irish" signs at employment lines during our 6 million person immigration --- when the Irish "flooded the market" as unwelcome suitors of America's employment opportunities. Welcome to America, indeed.

My Abenaki roots recall similar good wishes from immigrants who decimated the native American population from 2 million to 200,000 over forty years following the civil war.

If a native-born American is threatened by a Bhutanese refugee born and raised in a Nepali refugee camp, or thinks employment opportunities are thinned by that immigrant's will to work, then the American needs to question his job skills and work ethic. Each native-born American received opportunities that blow away the immigrant's foodstamps and rent.

This reader is disgusted by the contempt, thinly-veiled hate and pervasive ignorance expressed by readers in this blog.

Your ancestors faced the very same discrimination, hate and resentment. And they produced you.

If you feel threatened in employment by a Nepali refugee, then you squandered the gifts your ancestors provided.

Don't take it out on the latest round of new arrivals.

Your great grandparents would have expected more of you.






Sure, times are tough. Certainly the bottom of the curve have the least chance at employment, leaving newly immigrated folks at the back of every employment line.
- Gary, Manchester

They should all get the hell out.
Illegals should be executed if they refuse to leave. Welfare for no one. Cut the government in half, get out of the UN, stop all foreign aid, bomb our real enemies, bring our boys home to guard the border, and hang on to what is our for ten years, Then, we'll talk about the rest of the world and their damned refugees.
- Jeff Lessard, Manchester

So many people commenting here have meaningful idea of who refugees are and how they got here. Stop conflating them with illegal aliens. They are some of the unluckiest and most LONG suffering people in the world, and there but for the grace of God go you. No one is born an American as a result of their own hard work or good planning; so think of your own desperate immigrant forbears, and remember that the children of these newcomers will someday be your childrens' friends and coworkers, not to mention taxpayers. (And by the way, Jack, plant growing businesses start their greenhouses up in January.)
- jw, Concord

It's past time for the IRS to rescind Lutheran Services' tax exempt status. When a tax exempt organization deliberately causes a drain or significant expenditure of tax dollars, they should be cut off from the teat.

If more angry taxpayers would stop blaming the refugees and put their anger where it is warranted, a solution can be achieved.

Lewiston Maine is just one example which should have taught us better. Instead, only feel-good articles about that project and others around the country were reported in the mainstream press for years. It was not until actual citizens of these "receiver towns" dared to look behind the curtain and start their own independent news websites that something got done.

To wit: The State Dept. had to suspend a resettlement plan which allegedly reunited family members after DNA testing revealed systemic, unbelievable (really?) fraud. State admitted that 80% of those relocated and seeking resettlement were not related to those with whom they claimed kinship.

In every "receiver town" there has been widespread fraud and a seriously detrimental drain of tax dollars due to resettlement programs. One guess as to which tax exempt organization is responsible in all these towns. Lutheran (insert Family, Immigration, Social, etc.. here) Services. Why is that?

If you're concerned, upset, or angry about this situation, please take some time to research this. Don't rely on mainstream news "feel good" stories. Find these websites and check out the facts, including documents attained through the Freedom of Information Act and other legal avenues.

Start with an internet search for keywords like: resettlement+watch, refugee+fraud, and you'll keep seeing the same word over and over: Lutheran.

I hope this reaches enough concerned taxpayers and citizens to make a difference. And yes, even the refugees themselves should be concerned.
- Alan, Manchester

I cannot believe the comments on this page.
What happened to the melting pot? Has everyone forgotten what America is all about?
I wish the immigrants the best of luck.
Welcome to NH.
Some of us appreciate what you bring to our society.
I am ashamed of my fellow NewHamshirites for blaming you for anything.
- Bill Power, Lee NH

I hear states like North Dakota and Idaho are looking to increase their population...Just sayin'....If we deported all these illegals who are straining an already tight situation, we might have enough to sustain the currently unemployed Americans until this economy gets back on track. BTW, did you know that Obama just recinded a law barring immigrants with diseases such as AIDS? Sure, come on in! We'll not only feed, clothe and shelter you, we'll also take care of what is going to be an enourmous medical bill for ya too!
- Julie, Manchester

American Dream.....breed as fast as your body can and watch your welfare check grow....spend your food stamps on candy, soda and other unhealthy crap and use your cash benefits for your beer and cigs.....some dream
- Bran, Manchester NH

Hey Michael Layon from Derry way to kick a guy when he's down, or in this case 2 guys. I know you're a saint and all for doing your civic duty and paying your taxes but the least you could do is have some compassion for those who are struggling. I'm sure you just congealed into being as a native of Derry, and surely none of your ancestors came from another country right? I suggest all of you who posted here whining about welfare take a walk in someone else's shoes before you start making assumptions.
- brendan, manchester

I would like to send him to college on my tax dime and educate all the refugees while my own daughter will be paying off college for the rest of her life bacause i'm to busy subsidizing everyone else to pay for her. IT's a great world we live in.
- Jim, Manchester

Have we lost our humanity? Too many of you sound like little children who feel their piggy banks are threatened because some new darker skinned person has come looking for a better life. Most of these people have far more pride and work ethics than many americans I know. They work everyday they are scheduled, frequently at more than one job, do not eat out so they can save their money and buy property for their families to live in. Meanwhile their american coworkers drink their dunkin donuts coffee, eat subs for lunch and complain that these frugal hard working people are buying houses with their welfare money. Someday I hope you all take a long HONEST look in the mirror so you can see yourselves as we do.
- Tracy, East Hampstead

Just when I think we have become a progressive society I read an article like this that brings out the ignorant racists. You are all quite sad, really.
- TJ, Manchester

So, does Lutheran Social Services take responsibility for these people after they bring them here, or do they just bring them and dump them?
- mountain-man, berlin

Boo-hoo, "no work, no money" go back to where you came from if you're not happy and let some of us legal citizens collect some of that free money and healthcare!!!!
- summer, manchester

Lutheran Social Services,
I emplore your comittment by providing an opportunity and the possibility for a bright vision to foreign nationals. I have a great deal of respect for these hard working, pleasant, kind, warm, caring and respectful people who leave their homeland searching for a better way of life. Believe me when I say this, I have shared and listened to many heartfelt stories with those who only want a chance at success.
I AM HEAR FOR YOU! I've been blessed with my education, world travels, experience, knowledge and most of all the opportunity to dawn the uniform of the Department of Defense.
One thing I focused on during graduate school that remains constant is what good does education do for you if you are not willing to share that knowledge. When I was an educator I would share this quote with all of my terrific students "Knowledge is Education (knowledge doesn't always refer to the classroom, it also refers to the streets), Education is Power, and Power is Influence"
I'm a retired disabled veteran who spent a wonderful and opportunistic career defending and providing freedom for those who are selfish and complain (by their comments) rather than open their hearts to those less fortunate. To the TAMANG and DHITAL families welcome to your new home. My home is open to you, your families and others like you. Please do not judge all U.S. citizens alike.
Once again from my family to yours welcome to the United States and peace be with you! On behalf of my wonderful and beautiful spouse and our two babies (Labrador's) take this next chapter in your lives as a new beginning with many doors waiting to be opened.

Enjoy your new forthcoming holidays!

Regards,
SFC/RET
Rickie P. Chase
U.S. Army
- SFC/RET Chase, R. P., Manchester

"What a horrible ploy by the UL. You people know damn well who would read/comment on this story, and you were correct. The uneducated, ignorant, fake patriots are out in full force today. Good job UL you are rallying the base haha."
- Shaun, Manchester


Wrong Shaun....the people reading and commenting on this story are American taxpayers who wind up supporting many of these immigrants. I guess the educated, real patriots like you gladly turn over your paycheck to the welfare department. Or are you one of those taking from the welfare department???
- Brian, Farmington

Lutheran Services needs to be called on the carpet for this. It's highly irresponsible for them to 1) fill the heads of these people with delusions of grandeur and 2) tell us that we are REQUIRED to foot the bill for them in these economic times. Of course, this new, wonderful "Blue State" leadership would never do that. We need to get with the times. Immigration and refugee issues are sinking this country in the 21st Century, unlike days past when it built it.
- Bill, Whitefield

They were brought to America – they didn’t immigrate – they were brought here by the United States government at a time when this country is in a severe recession, is suffering double digit unemployment so that even American citizens can’t find work and are hanging on by a thread. The U.S. Government brings people over here who don’t speak English, have no job, no money, no financial sponsor, don’t understand our culture and send them to various geographical locations – and the receiving city, by the way, has no option in this – it is a directive. Then we have to use our tax money to support these people all the while the Government pleads poverty to finding money to stimulate the economy to support U.S. Citizens suffering unemployment, but we are obligated to financially support these refugees. And they are complaining?! They have only been here a few months and already the “entitlement whine” is setting in? What am I missing here?

And Mr. Nihaney, it would have helped if you had a job skill that America was in need of and had a promise of a job in that skill area lined up BEFORE you came here. It would also have helped if you had financial resources to tide you over until that job started so you could find housing and buy groceries without raiding the tax coffers of the state you were sent to. I’m sorry if I sound less than welcoming, but I’m getting a bit weary of immigrants expecting that American’s are supposed to accommodate your every whim and need. We have enough of our own to take care of as it is. Perhaps we need to suspend this resettlement business until we have taken care of our own. I am losing all patience with “immigrants” by any name and nationality, legal or no.
- Sandy, Thornton

I have news for all you anti-union, anti-immigrant, anti-health, anti-environment, anti-fact, anti-history rednecks: The millionaire capitalists aren't coming to save you! The returns are better when they invest overseas, but thanks anyway for the tax breaks under Bush! Have fun paying for Bush's wars!

Koolaid addicts consistent rejection of everything that might help a working man, from unions to taxing the wealthy to health care, has made the American top tier the richest top tier in the history of the world - ever! Whoopee - we have the most outrageous millionaires!

Now that they've suckered you into kissing their butts for decades they are done with you. They'll invest overseas where labor is cheap and live like modern-day kings here. Zoom! One just passed you in his $100K Mercedes on the way to a skin care appointment! Aren't you proud that our rich are the most rich anywhere?

You all can huddle around your guns and bibles. Better get praying! Lol!
- Gary, Pittsfield

Ah, high strung, seriously prejudiced bigots with keyboards and internet connections! Lovely presentation of the open arms of Liberty!

What a pack of scaredy cats. Pitiful whining losers whose easy life has been pulled out from under them by the corporations and bankers and millionaires whose butts they love to kiss! The joke is on the loser white trash posting here.

Most immigrants will work harder longer than most of you, and no doubt be in good shape while you fools still crybaby your lives away. Hey elect a Republican and see if he can beg America's capitalists to toss you some crumbs.
- Devon, Manchester

Do I correctly detect a bit of entitlement already from the dhitals? They received 4 months of rent, foodstamps and medical care. The article reported this partincorrectly: These services were not free, they were purchased with my tax dollars and given to people like the bhutanese refugees.

Hard for them to find a job? It been hard for natural born citizens to find jobs. We have a;lready given one kenyan the job of president, what more do you want?

I do see a bright side to this story. There is a potential for NH to cut jobs and save money. Eliminate every job and fiscal resource for refugees. The "State's refugee" coordinator should be viewed as waste of tapayer money. When you immigrate to the US, it is YOUR obligation to learn the language, the culture and find a leagal means to provide for yourself and family.

Ironically, guess why the refugee programs place immigrants like these selectively in our cities? Think which political party believes in entitlement, and handouts to those who can not provide for themselves at the expense of those who work? Yup, these refugees are becomin citizens and you can guess which party they will be casting their ballots next year. Can we really afford to keep giving away our country and hard earned money to anyone and everyone who asks for it?
- Michael Layon, Derry

In the camps you had food rations,free schooling,health, and other services. In the past 1and1/2 yrs. 19,076 have come from Nepal to the US 80,000 have applied for resettlement. Not only do you get State help, US taxpayers pay to set up non profit ECBO's. Go to the Refugee Resettlement Watch. You are not alone and we cannot take care of our own. The American people are non profit
- Linda, Derry

Welcome to America my friend, grab a number and get in line.

For all immigrants seeking jobs - might I suggest, China, India, and Poland.
- Harry, Atkinson

Jack in Manchester wrote: "1. There is no American dream, its a nightmare."

Jack, there is an American Dream. We just need to return to our roots to find it. It will be painful - something most politicians don't like. We need to find leaders who care more about the Constitution, National Security (ours), and the Economy than they do about Socialism, foreign opinion, and the imaginary threat of global warming.

Liberalism started to insert itself into the mainstream of our culture in the 1960s. Ever since then - aside from a reprieve in the 80s when for a brief 10 years, people figured out that liberalism/socialism/marxism/communism is a failed way to govern - we've been steadily declining into moral rot. As our national sense of ethics and morality goes, so goes everything else. There are plenty of past examples of nations that have failed in the same way. Maybe we'll learn from it. First we need to get rid of the rot at the top.
- Mike, Temple

The American Dream is live and well...

Getting checks directly deposited into your bank account from Public assistance IS the American Dream for millions of people - Americans and Immigrants alike.

Oh... And so is not getting your hands chopped off while living in a resettlement camp.

If they try hard enough they may get themselves another American Dream by hitting the jackpot with a frivilous lawsuit.
- John II, Manchester

like others have stated i feel bad for what these refugees have been through. but manchester received over half the refugees that were settled in this state last year. when will it end?

manchester cannot afford to be carrying all these refugees on its back!

does anyone know if manchester can opt out of being a refugee destination city???

i know if we kicked out lutheran services half of our problem would be solved!
- bill, manchester

The refugee resettlement program is a failure. We bring people into the country from dire situations - and then basically dump them. "We're trying to teach them to do things for themselves"?? There is very little teaching going on, it's sink or swim. The refugee resettlement program is understaffed and overwhelmed. There is little to no help finding jobs, children sitting home idle for months before getting enrolled into school, flea-infested apartments when they arrive, and the only real help learning to negotiate the system is coming from community volunteers. It's in all our best interest for the refugees to be successful, yet we have set them up for failure. These people could be filling some of the workforce gaps in this country - yet we make it nearly impossible for them to do so. NH has a shortage of math teachers: some of the refugees have college degrees and are skilled in math, yet they can't get work. We need nurses: there are refugees who would make excellent nurses with a little training. They won't get it, and we won't get the nurses we need. This could be a win-win situation, and instead it's a lose-lose.
- Julia Freeman-Woolpert, Pembroke NH

Im tired of hearing or reading about refugees and immagrants getting help from the goverment. The government denies welfare to single moms who actually need it. I feel if you are not a citizen of our country you should be denied any help. Welfare, financial aid, all of it.
- Alysha, Manchester

When the "level playing field" (tariffs) were seen as a evil to be ended (as it was not in the interest of the major moneyed wall street investors profits), Washington saw the short term wealth their contributers as the national goal. Not realizing the tax base that paid their income was about to be sent away.
With the jobs and creative industries economically forced to leave this nation, we now cannot help ourselves, let alone needy as we were used to doing. Washington has been a "equal rights" leader in its disdain for lower and middle income Americans. Racial equality at last.
- Alexander Mackenzie, Rochester

Exactly who's bright idea was it to bring all of these refugees to NH? STOP IT ALREADY! It's not our job to take in the rest of the world's leftovers.
- Steve, Goffstown NH

Taking in the stranger and providing for their needs is a long standing tradition in Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Its also an American tradition. Bringing in refugees, providing for their basic needs and helping them stand on their own two feet are not just nice things to do - they are a moral imperative. So, lets find these folks some jobs. They appear to have skills. They appear to have a solid work ethic (better than some American citizens I know). If we all chip in and share some responsibility for them then it won't be much of a burden on any one of us.
- Alan, Derry, NH

I don't mean to sound glib, but shouldn't the authorities in charge of who comes here and who doesn't have a way to see if we NEED this man in this country? I mean, what are his skill sets? What can he do to make a living for himself? Is he an auto mechanic? Factory worker? Librarian? Heck he may even be the best chef in the world. But apparently according to the story he was going nowhere in Bhutan, and now he's going nowhere here, on AMERICAS DIME! This, contrary to what pro-immigration at any cost folks will say, is the crux, the bedrock, of people just not feeling comfortable with letting just anyone into the country because there country is horrible. I feel for you guys, but maybe staying home and changing Bhutan would be a better route?
I tend to think of it this way, If America was a village of 10 people, and this guy was knocking on the door saying "Hey my neighborhood's bad, mind if I stay here?" would this guy be let in?
As a side I really want to know how I can get 4 months of rental help?
- Doug, Manchester

America is the land of equal oppurtunity not the land of equal results.
- Joe, Manchester

I wonder if you use their phone system it says "press 1 is you are American and speak English" if they have phones. What break do you think we'd get over there or in Mexico? NONE!!!

We have too many Americans out of work without benefits and we can't fend for ourselves never mind these immigrants and whomever came in legally especially.

I'm sorry for their plight, but we need to worry about us, first and foremost. America is Job 1!
- RG, Manchester

The American Dream hasn't reached the living rooms of Pema Tamang and Bhakta Dhital. Job rejection letters and public-assistance checks have arrived instead.

wah, wah, wah! isn't being here "the american dream?" real americans have to apply for jobs, too. and sometimes we get rejected as well. it should be called the "american OPPORTUNITY!" by being here, they can pursue things they never could've imagined. instead of bringing in 561 refugees and handing them welfare and unemployment checks from a system that they haven't paid a dime into. how about taking 561 homeless veterans off the street and giving them the money. a homeless vet is given a cot in a shelter. a refugee is given an apartment and welfare checks and free english classes. not only is that wrong, it's UN-AMERICAN!
- fpc, bedford

I don't feel sorry for these people I'm sorry but I don't. They come first to the state of nh before real tax payers and people who are actual citizens here!! The State of NH will give them free health insurance, free homes put there kids in our school systems which are completely over crowded. The State doesn't care about us citizens because the goverment pays for the immigrants. Look around the and see the small signs. We use to speak english things are changing slowly to spanish speaking people. We have to change our ways for them. The goverment isn't for us just for them!
- Sara, Manchester, NH

I say close the borders. They call come and cry about out hard it is. Then native born Americans have to support them. I see them all the time in Stop & Shop. They can;t speak English but they sure know how to whip out food vouchers and government assistance checks. It is a slap in the face to every American that has to work to put food on their family's table
- Steven, Botana

Welcome to America, here is my pay-check; suck me dry like all the other do nothing immigrants and welfare lifers.
- Chalmer, Londonerry

Normally, immigrants relocate to where the jobs are. But thanks to the idiot socialists who have been running (and ruining) our country, immigrants now migrate to where the welfare checks are--and the free health care. Socialized countries in Europe have experienced the same problem. Close the borders; the melting pot's full.
- Susie, Horseshoe Bay, TX (NH native)

I understand we all come from immigrants one way or another.

But I think this country has reached its saturation point with taking in more people. It is now destructive, not productive.

We're reached the limit, shut off the borders until further notice.
- John, Dover

What a horrible ploy by the UL. You people know damn well who would read/comment on this story, and you were correct. The uneducated, ignorant, fake patriots are out in full force today. Good job UL you are rallying the base haha.
- Shaun, Manchester

Union Leader, I hope you plan to follow up this article with another titled "Americans find American Dream Elusive." I had a friend over last night who has been looking for work - par for the course is for him to find at least 10 people applying for the same job just in the time it takes for him to show up and fill out his application.

It sounds like the families featured in this story are exactly the type of immigrant we want - smart, hard working, and hoping only for enough help to again become productive members of society. If times weren't so bad for everyone right now, I think the readers' comments would be more compassionate but when we watch our friends and neighbors (or even ourselves) scramble to find new jobs at a fraction of previous pay and they try to figure out how to keep their homes its hard. People are on compassion overload, and the other shoe (inflation) hasn't even dropped yet.
- Erica, Derry

Donna,
Your ancestors were once outsiders! Remember that. We are made up of many people and to have that attitude is ignorance.
- JJ, Manchester

Please educate me. What other country can one move to and be "paid" to live there (free rent for 4 months, welfare checks, food stamps) I don't understand how this benefits this country. I am by no means cold hearted and I honestly feel for them, but at the same time when the economy is down, people are losing jobs and houses- why not help the Americans?
- Cindy, Manchester

How about the "American Dream" for those who were born and raised in this country? It's out of reach for many of them as well and they already know how to speak english and don't receive the settlement funds. If we can't provide for our own, we surely shouldn't bring additional poverty into America!
- John Neylon, Twin Mountain, NH

It is good to see that the folks in this article are looking for work. For those who are not looking for work may I suggest a desired destination. The commonwealth of Massachusetts, where you can get a free car and free medical care. So if you are unhappy with your stipend here in NH, don't stay here and vote for Lynch and his friends, move south and enjoy all the goodies the Commonwealth provides. Don't forget to vote for Deval.
- Chris, Merrimack

I agree with Cathy of Derry. I know many people who are unemployed and they don't receive the type of assistance from my tax dollars that these refugees do. I wish I could get the same assistance they do. It is time for the Lutheran Social Services group to change its mission. They should be stop bringing refugees to the United States or fund these programs on their own without tax dollars.
- Gordon, Laconia

In response to the most of these posts - Welcome to a land of losers! On a Sunday of all days the posters have forgotten the important Christian values of acceptance and forgiveness. Maybe most of you should spend more time in church and less time reading the paper.
- Charles, Francestown, NH

What a bunch of hatefull spitefull people you all are posting on here. From what Ive seen, honestly its us Americans who expect everything handed to us,something for nothing, and the newer generations don't think hard work is worthwhile. Stop blaming immigrants,illegal or otherwise for the sad state the US is in today.Your right, jack, there is no American Dream, it is a nightmare, but it is one of our own doing.
- Steph, concord

Givernment assistance including medical care? Must be nice.

When I came to this country (legally) in 1949 I had to have a sponsor that guaranteed that I would not be a burden to the government.

No wonder this country is in trouble.
- Bill, Wolfeboro

we are sorry go home and make your own dream ,why are you here when there is 10% unemployment looking for a dream ,ya take a job away from an american or take free money either way you are a burden on the few of us who have jobs.GO HOME AND MAKE YOUR COUNTRY BETTER NOT OURS WORSE.
- tim bourgeois, weare

My family helped several refugee families in the late 1990's. Jobs were everywhere and they were able to make much money to buy houses, cars etc. Now, I can't see how any new refugee family can survive without those manual labor jobs available. Need to stop the legal new arrivals until times get better.... plus, stop illegal immigration that hurts everyone!
- Mike, Goffstown

get rid of the illegals and there will be work and healthcare systems that operate as they are supposed to. USA can then accomodate legal immigrants and real refugees.

Our system is overloaded by illegals.
- mark, hooksett

Some of the comments posted here are just down-right mean spirited. Although I agree that this is an economic timein our nation's economy when the resettlement agencies should be FORCED into suspending any further refugees from coming to the US. This is not the 50's (as previous comments pointed out). The US has lost MOST of its manufacturing to China and the only jobs we have to offer any longer are low paying service industry jobs, many of which are being taken by illegals, and many of which cannot support housing, food, cothing etc for families. People need to get involved locally and pressure these resettlement groups to take a hiatus from bringing more people here. We are the ones who will end up footing the bill for them. There are Americans here that need help right now - never mind peole from foreign countries.
- Joyce F, Londonderry

Welcome to America. Hang in there, as Deb said, never give up. I'd add that you should ignore the naysayers. Your 18+ year plight tells me that you are willing to try harder than most Americans I know! That will pay off for you eventually!
- DM, Hampton

I have to feel sorry for these legal refugee immigrants, but I must express anger at the organizations who bring in such people, and them dump them on the American Taxpayers.

It should be a requirement that unless you can gauarantee them employment for at least one year, you can not sponsor them or bring them in.

I have immigrant freinds who want their families to come here, and I have been asked several times to tell immigration authorities that I have jobs for them, which is required for them to get here. I don't have jobs for them and I will not say I do until or unless I can.

But it seems these charitable organizations are exempt from the same kind of requirements, as are facing immigrants already here wanting their families to come, and that is just wrong.
- Howie Howe, Manchester, NH

This story really ticks me off ! "I wish the resesettlement agencies would do more" When was the last time they helped us out for free.Put them all on a boat and send them home.How is it that we bend over backwards to help out refugees,but neglect our own is incredible.Oh MY GOD they can't find a job in a month or so,but we will help them find employment in 6-8 months
- EB, Rochester,NH

Krysten and Robert, lets send you to their refugee camps and see how you do. You are ignorant and uninformed. Meet these people and you will realize how much harder they work than the welfare and crime committing scum you must have really been referring to.
- E, Manch

Then go back to your homeland and try again another time! :-)
- Krysten, Manchester

First of all welcome to America. It's nice to see people who immigrated here in the proper way.

The only advices I can give you are to never give up the job search or consider self employment. The second part of my advice is to help America by researching all political candidates voting records and actual achievements before voting for them. As you can see voting for race, gender, or sixty second feel good commercials can mean leadership with no experience or clue how to help economic growth. And since you have the time please go to a Tea Party rally and help save the nation from itself.
- Deb, Derry

I'm sorry, but we cannot afford to take on additional people. To think they are frustrated and angry that our system is not progressing fast enough for them, what about those that have been here and paid into the system. It's time for other countries to take on these refugees, the US is not a money tree. These are just two people who say they are looking for work, many upon many have no intention of working and actually plan on staying on public assistance. It's not right, we cannot afford them.
- Robert Greiner, Portsmouth

Enough is enough !

We need to close our borders to all. We can not even take care of our own yet we provide for immigrants.

We have many citizens who are denied sevices from local and federal government for a variety of reasons but there seem to be no issues with handouts to immigrants.

I am sorry for their circumstances prior to being brought to America however these people are given housing (we have homeless citizens in our state denied housing) foodstamps (we have hungry children in our state) medical care (many can not afford to go to the doctor or dentist, or afford their prescriptions) and cash (many of our citizens are loosing their homes and cars).

CLOSE THE BORDERS so that we may take care of our own and build America back up.
- Donna, Littleton

This story Brings to my mind " What are you thinking " How about the people who are from this country who Can't find a job or are lining up for help. & this is note worthy HOW ? That Refugees Can't get ahead in our country. My fellow readers am I missing Something?
- Doug St Pierre, Boscawen

The 15 million ILLEGALS in the US make it almost impossible for legal immigrants to find jobs. They are also destroying our schools and hospitals.

Hats off to these two fellows for being ambitious and imaginative.
- Bill Howard, Exeter

I'm sorry if my heart doesn't bleed for the refugees of NH. What about the AMERICANS who have lost there jobs in this economy. Do we get free medical care, 4 months free rent and free medical care? NO. Now public assistance? They are also adding competition to the Americans trying to find jobs. Let's take care of our own first!
- Cathy, Derry

You came here for what...... the American what???? Good grief, do we still have that literature hanging around from the 50's and 60's. Is immigration still running the indoctrination campaign, I thought the canceled that 2 decades ago.

What kind of service delivery are they expecting, you folks are going to have to get this straight.

1. There is no American dream, its a nightmare.

2. You don't know english backwards and
forwards thats your problem not ours.

3. Frustrated and angry? Join the rest of us, for the record I'm a true American, I was born here, and trust me when I say this, no one is is more frustrated and angry than me.

4. What landscaping company told you they would have a job for you in January? Going to planting perrineals and annuals sod and shrubs in the ice and the snow. LOL. Hate to tell you I think you got the brush off.

5. When the landlord stops receiveth the check I wouldn't worry about the television, the computer, or the telephone. Your next step down is a chicken coop or shack off of some farm up in Pembroke or Epsom. Going to make the place you had in Nepal look like the Ritz Carlton. Or you could do what the rest of us do, pack our backpack and go live under a bridge or walk our streets, use the bathrooms in our libraries when you need too. Just two things if you can sing a jingle or tapdance and hold your hand out our got a pair of black sunglasses and a orange tipped cane and got a cup that will help.
The other alternative is more dangerous, for that you'll need only a dirty rag, a spritzer bottle with water. but you better be quick as a skateboarder to get as many cars as you can that stop at the traffic light while looking for a tip.
- Jack Alex, Manchester

WELCOME to the real world! What exacty is the American dream?? We can't even keep our own people busy and this makes the news. Our own friends and family losing everything that they have had and worked all their life for. Makes me sick just thinking about it! Sorry you thought it would be so EASY. Pass the word back where you came from, we don't need anymore!
- Kenny, Manchester

These guys make it sound as if the American Dream should have been handed to them the minute they stepped off the plane. There are millions of jobless Americans who are looking for work, why should they be in the front of the line for jobs?
- Frank, Manchester

I can imagine how hard and frustrating it is its for Bhattarai and Mr. Dhital.

When I came to this country eight years ago, I came here with a lot of expextations, and high hope that I will make future a brighter one after living in a war torn country of Sudan. I had suffered, and my family suffered too.

The time I came to America was better than today, there were many jobs available, but many challenges leveled in my ways.

One of them was that my resttlement agency did not do what would had helped me to integrate into American culture.

It is even worse now for those erfugees who are arriving at this difficult financial time.

I think resettlement agencies should make sure that refugees are helped until they can be well integrated into American society.

As Carol Moore said "she wishes the resettlement groups would do more;"

That is what I mean for the resettlement agencies to equip their new arrival refugees with new skills, and help to find job for them. This will help refugees to find ways to become self sufficient.

Peter Nhiany.
- Peter Nhiany, Manchester, NH

Hey guys, listen, I love having cultural variety--but you have to be at the very least, self-reliant. Don't come here with the promise of jobs. Come here with the intent to make something, not take something. No more welfare state.
- JB, NB, NH