"“I have, three girls and one boy, which make me to think about the future of my kids because there is no school, no job, no, nothing for a woman” says Adiba Matin , a refugee from Afghanistan with a world increasingly marred by conflict, persecution, and climate change, millions of individuals and families find themselves forced to flee their homes, seeking safety and a better life in foreign lands. The United States, a nation built on the principles of freedom and opportunity, remains a key destination for many refugees. Yet, the journey to this new life is often fraught with challenges, as these individuals carry with them not only the burdens of their pasts but also the hope for a brighter future.
A refugee is a person who has been forced to flee their country due to fear of persecution, war, or violence. As Meagan Hecht, a staff attorney on the immigration team at the Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts, explains, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) "defines a refugee under section 101(a)(42)" as someone with "a well-founded fear of persecution" due to "race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, such as gender or sexual orientation." To qualify, applicants must show that their home government is "unable or unwilling to protect" them, and the U.S. must determine that "resettlement is appropriate because [they] cannot safely relocate" within their own country.
Upon arrival, refugees encounter numerous obstacles, with language barriers being a major issue. As Matin shares, "The language problem would not just be with me, but with my husband and my kids. They do not understand the language. They do not understand the culture." Nearly 45% of refugees resettled in the U.S. in 2019 spoke limited English, complicating communication and access to essential services. To address this, organizations often sign refugees up for English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, as Katharyn Waidler, the Director of Sponsorship at the International Institute of New England, Boston explains: "We also sign them up for English classes for Speakers of Other Languages, ESL. They get assessed and placed in a class depending on their level. They're usually in special services for about 90 days, and then they get employment until they find a job, with ESL support available as long as they want it." However, Waidler also notes, "Learning English is a huge challenge. Often, because refugees need to get jobs right away to pay their rent, they don't have time for classes." Finding meaningful employment is another barrier, as jobs available to refugees are often low-paying and lack long-term stability. This linguistic and economic hurdle can lead to isolation, while cultural adjustment adds further challenges as refugees navigate unfamiliar social norms and try to preserve their identities. Community organizations provide vital support to help them through this transition.
“So that’s a lot of difference. But I was aware of the cultural difference between my language, my culture, and the American culture,” says Meron Kleftsiyon, a refugee from Eritrea. Cultural adjustment plays a crucial role in the refugee experience, as adapting to a new culture while preserving one’s identity can be a delicate balance. Refugees like Kleftsiyon must navigate unfamiliar social norms, values, and customs, which often create feelings of dislocation and anxiety. Community organizations play a critical role in this process, offering support and helping refugees connect with others who share similar backgrounds and experiences. These networks are vital for fostering a sense of belonging and community, which can significantly ease the transition into American society.
Employment presents a significant challenge for refugees, who often struggle to find work that matches their skills and qualifications. Despite having valuable experience, many face barriers such as the lack of recognition for foreign credentials, limited English proficiency, and unfamiliarity with local job markets. As Kleftsiyon, a refugee, explains, “finding a job requires taking courses, improving internet literacy, or even learning basic English. This makes the journey to employment even more complex for those who have already faced the trauma of displacement.”
To help overcome these obstacles, many refugee assistance programs offer vital support. Waidler , explains that "skills teams" help refugees develop new abilities to qualify for higher-paying jobs. Additionally, legal services assist with obtaining work permits, especially for those on humanitarian parole, who may not have the same access to employment rights as other refugees. Despite these efforts, however, many refugees still find themselves in jobs far removed from their areas of expertise. This mismatch between refugees' qualifications and available job opportunities contributes to lower wages in the early years of resettlement. A report by the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program shows that refugees typically earn less than native-born workers, especially when foreign credentials are not recognized. While many refugees show remarkable perseverance and ingenuity, overcoming these barriers remains a significant challenge, making it difficult for them to secure meaningful, well-paying employment. As Waidler explains, “Our organization provides refugees with essential support upon arrival, including airport pickups and home visits to ensure they are comfortable.” Intake appointments with case specialists help refugees access essential benefits like MassHealth, SNAP, and refugee cash assistance, while specialists also support them with medical appointments and ongoing assistance in areas like employment, ESL classes, and legal services. Volunteers are crucial in this process, “helping with food delivery, tutoring, job placement, and community integration” through initiatives like Resettle Together, which connects local volunteers with refugee families to offer housing and support. More time for adjustment and increased government support for housing would greatly help. Political climate also plays a role, with anti-immigrant rhetoric influencing how refugees are treated. Advocacy and community education are crucial to improving public perception and supporting refugees’ successful integration.
According to Hecht, once refugees arrive in the U.S. with refugee status, the legal process is relatively straightforward. However, for those still without legal status but eligible for refugee protection, obtaining legal representation is critical. A lawyer can significantly increase the chances of successfully applying for asylum. After receiving refugee status, the primary legal challenge is the wait for a Green Card, which typically takes about a year. This delay can limit access to important benefits and job opportunities. Language barriers also remain a significant obstacle for many refugees. Hecht explains that the hardest part of applying for asylum is demonstrating the "nexus"—the clear connection between the applicant's persecution and the protected grounds under U.S. law, such as race, religion, or political opinion. This step often proves to be the most challenging part of the entire process.
The refugee experience in the U.S. is one of resilience, as individuals navigate a complex web of legal, linguistic, and economic challenges in pursuit of safety and opportunity. Despite the support offered by community organizations and legal assistance, refugees often face obstacles like limited job prospects, cultural adjustment, and the long wait for permanent status. Their perseverance and hope for a better life highlight both the promise and the difficulty of resettlement in a new country. Ultimately, greater support and understanding from both the government and the public are crucial to helping refugees build new lives and contribute to society.
Produced by candidates for the MS degree in the Media Innovation & Data Communication program at the Northeastern University School of Journalism. © 2024
