A study was conducted to assess the impact of Indochinese refugees on the California community colleges through the identification of the number of refugees, a description of their needs, and an analysis of the resulting implications for college programs and budgets. Findings, based on existing data from the colleges and state and federal agencies, included the following: (1) 34% or 192,000 of the Indochinese refugees in the United States were residing in California; (2) the main reasons for settling in California were family reunification, climate, support services and communities, and an urban cosmopolitan environment; (3) 45% of the refugees were 17 or younger and 39% were between 18 and 34 years of age; (4) 65% of the refugee population was receiving public assistance as of March 1981; (5) an estimated 41,448 refugees enrolled in California community colleges in fall 1981, representing a 41.6% increase over fall 1980 figures and accounting for 15% of college enrollment growth; and (6) 80% of those enrolled were taking six or more units and nearly 55% were attending college full time. The impact on college programs has been felt most in the areas of English as a Second Language, student services, and in the need for additional staff, services, and programs. Study conclusions emphasize the important role of community colleges in providing bilingual and vocational education and their inability to fully meet refugee needs within existing budget restrictions. Data tables are appended. (HB)