"They've all come to look for America": Refugee Resettlement and Employment in the United States

Abstract

The current system strives to ensure that refugees are economically self-sufficient: that they are able to pay bills when their cash grants run out after the first few months. This goal, which is set by the federal government, is important -- but on its own, it is too narrow and does not provide for the array of needs refugees bring. A more just form of resettlement would integrate refugees more completely into American society. Because refugees come to America with so many needs, the focus of resettlement should be more holistic to account for refugee adjustment, empowerment and inclusion in the community. To achieve this new goal and serve refugees more effectively, resettlement agencies and local institutions, whose resources are stretched to provide the bare minimum, need more assistance from the federal and state governments. [From introductory section]