Making Immigrant integration work : a case study of refugee resettlement in Philadelphia, PA

Abstract

This research seeks to understand what are the conditions under which refugees integrate successfully in urban areas. This question is of particular importance to urban areas despite the fact that refugees account for only 10 percent of total US immigration. Refugee resettlement disproportionately impacts a city's urban fabric and foreign-born profile through the establishment of immigrant enclaves and subsequent chain migration. Moreover, a refugee community's initial resettlement period has long-term effects for integration outcomes. This research examines the institutional development of the refugee resettlement process in the city of Philadelphia, PA and draws on a case study of Liberian refugee resettlement where the presence of an existing community and English language ability did not facilitate integration as would be expected. This research investigates how stakeholders can make integration work for refugee immigrants.