State Historical Society of Iowa

Letter from Mrs. Knode to Iowa Governor Robert Ray about Tai Dam Refugees, May 22, 1980

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Courtesy of State Historical Society of Iowa, 22 May 1980

Description

This letter was written by Iowan Mrs. Ronald Knode to Iowa Governor Robert Ray in 1980. In the letter, Knode disapproved of the state's resettlement of Tai Dam refugees. 

 

Transcript of Mrs. Knode's Letter to Iowa Governor Robert Ray

Source-Dependent Questions

  • When was this document written, and who was it addressed to? What is this citizen's argument against allowing refugees to settle in Iowa?
  • How does this citizen propose taxpayer money be used instead of supporting refugees? Why does she believe these are more important ways to spend taxpayer money?
  • Compare this to the letter from Mrs. Stuhr and the memo from E.L. Colton. Using examples from each letter, explain the differing attitudes of Americans toward refugees and the reasons why.