Every year approximately 700 refugees are sent to Utah from war-torn countries as part of a resettlement program -- and a new study says Utah could be doing more to help them.

That's the conclusion reached by two researchers who looked at refugees in Salt Lake City. They're calling on state and federal officials to make services for refugees a higher priority.

"If we are doing a good job, we can do better," said Macleans Geo-JaJa, an economics and international development professor at Brigham Young University.

He and Garth Mangum, a professor emeritus at the University of Utah, co-authored "Struggling at the Golden Door: International Refugees in Utah," which was published recently by the Center for Public Policy and Administration at the University of Utah.

Mangum said many refugees are glad to be away from the unfavorable circumstances of their home country, but are also disappointed.

"They're glad they came. Things are better for them than where they were, but not as good as they thought it would be," Mangum said.

Many refugees are illiterate in their native language and have never lived in an industrial society. They often lack marketable skills and don't speak English.

Geo-JaJa said another key problem is being accepted by new neighbors.

"I think one of the most difficult issues is probably not being welcomed by society," said Geo-JaJa, who immigrated to the United States from Africa in the 1970s.

Finding a mentor is important because refugees need help adjusting to a world that is completely different.

"If you've never seen a flush toilet and never seen a refrigerator, how are you going to keep housefi" Mangum said.

Refugees also need culturally sensitive programs, educational opportunities and better access to English as a second language classes.

Geo-JaJa said the issue needs to become a priority both in policy and in the budget. Currently the state has not allocated any state funds for resettlement programs.

Geo-JaJa and Mangum are calling for more funding to support refugees and several other changes, including assigning a state agency to coordinate among agencies and provide services.

They would also like to see programs aimed at helping refugees gain marketable skills.

Geo-JaJa said the study has been sent to state legislators and Utah's congressional delegation.

"We do hope that they will impact policy positively," Geo-JaJa said.

State leaders have formed a refugees services committee that has been meeting and will make recommendations to state lawmakers by the end of the month.

Norman Nakamura, state coordinator for refugee resettlement and a member of the committee, said the committee may recommend moving resettlement higher in the state organization to increase visibility and that the state increase community involvement and provide mentoring.

Brittani Lusk can be reached at 344-2549 or at blusk@heraldextra.com.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A1.