1988 Democratic National Convention : Kitty Dukakis Pledges Refugee Aid in Talk to Asian-Americans

Kitty Dukakis, a passionate advocate of aid to refugees, told Asian-American delegates Tuesday that she and her husband would continue those efforts in the White House.

“Michael Dukakis is committed to opportunity for all Americans,” the wife of the Democratic presidential nominee-to-be said in brief remarks at a brunch near the hall where Democrats are holding their national convention.

She gave an emotional description of her several visits to refugee camps along the Thailand-Cambodia border, including a 1985 trip after which she won the release of a young boy whose sister lived in Massachusetts.

Full University Scholarship

The boy, Hout Pich, was graduated from high school last month and is headed to Brandeis University on a full scholarship in the fall, Mrs. Dukakis said.

“Whatever happiness I hear about Hout Pich, I have a sense of sadness for the thousands of others like Pich who are suffering,” she said. “None of us can rest until they have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.”

Two Asian-American congressmen at the brunch, Reps. Norman Y. Mineta (San Jose) and Robert T. Matsui (Sacramento), praised Mrs. Dukakis for her refugee work and urged the delegates to work for a Democratic victory in November.