The intent of this paper is to provide a historical and cultural overview of the Khmer refugee movement and to outline problems the refugees face upon resettlement in New York City. The paper begins by describing the land and people of Cambodia, the social structure of Khmer society, the role of Buddhism in that society, Cambodia's recent history, the Khmer Rouge regime, the beginning of the refugee movement, and refugee settlements and holding centers along the Thai-Cambodian border and further inside Thailand. Following this background information, an overview of Khmer resettlement in New York City is given. Separate sections are provided on housing problems, the destruction of the old familial structure, scattered placement and how it impedes development of a sense of community, daily transitional difficulties, social problems such as ethnic tensions and crime, post survival trauma and survivor guilt, the special problems of women and children, employment, health problems, conflicts between traditional and western medicine, and mental health. (CMG)