Ethnic identity is one of many statuses an individual may choose to emphasize. The assertion of ethnic identity is often a purposive act designed to achieve political and economic goals. Among Indochinese refugees, there is a trend toward self-identification as Asian Americans and minorities rather than as refugees. (RLV)

This paper examines the extent to which educational and other institutions of the dominant society are shaping the ethnic self-identity of Indochinese refugees. It is argued that an institutionally-defined ethnic self-identity is being imposed on the Indochinese as a precondition for consideration as a minority group in United States society.…

On the premise that postsecondary institutions can respond adequately to the new Indochinese student population only if an accurate description of the students is provided, an ethnographic study of the refugee community's process of adaptation was undertaken. The social situations and experiences of the refugees are described, including their…