Because of the lack of research on the Khmer people in the United States, and because the Khmer have arrived here so recently, this paper describes itself as "less a state of the art analysis of Khmer resettlement and more of a speculation on their condition calling for more research." After an introductory section, the paper describes the two major exoduses of Khmer refugees to Thailand in 1975 and 1979 and the three waves of refugees resettled in the United States. The changing characteristics of the refugees in these three waves are also described. Following this comes a discussion of differences in the refugee experiences of the different exodus groups and resettlement waves, both before and after coming to this country. (Differences between the Khmer refugees and traditional refugees are also discussed.) Four major adjustment problems are examined: illiteracy and low levels of education; lack of English language ability; mental health problems; and poorly transferable occupational skills (in the context of which the Khmer Guided Placement Program is examined). Tables at the end of the document provide data on yearly Khmer arrivals (1975-82), educational levels, English proficiency levels, and employment status (1975-81). (CMG)