The Impact of Refugee Resettlement Programs on Local Communities in America: A Case Study of New York City

<p>The goal of this study is to examine the impact of refugee resettlement programs on local communities in the United States, focusing on New York City. This study explores how complex dynamics of refugee integration shape the socio-economic, cultural, and political dynamics of host communities. New York City, being a diverse urban city center, the high number of refugees significantly influenced the city’s dynamic cultural landscape, with an estimate of 8.468 million migrants from different cultural backgrounds (Rida, 2023). Resettlement programs facilitated by a network of nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies, provide essential services - employment related training, housing, and language assistance. However, these programs also face challenges like strain on local resources, lack of affordable housing, and the complex socio-political dynamic of integrating diverse refugee populations into local communities (Philip et al. 2021).</p> <p>This study employs a mixed method to examine how refugee resettlement programs affect socio-economic dynamics, and cultural diversity within the host city. Research data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders, refugees and members of the local community to provide insights into the study, and this was supplemented by quantitative data and media content analysis. The research findings highlight both the opportunities and challenges presented by the resettlement programs and offer insights into the long-term effects on the city's neighborhoods, social services, and community dynamics. This study contributes to the going debate on refugee integration and how host communities navigate the complex dynamic of resettlement. This research aims to inform policymakers, and resettlement agencies on the importance of creating inclusive and effective resettlement programs beneficial to both refugees and host communities.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

International Studies

Year

2024

Author dc:creator

• Akhadelor, Ojeikere

Contributors dc:contributor

• Nancy Rios-Contreras
• Victoria Carty
• Joshua Liashenko

• Refugee Resettlement
• Urban Migration
• Cultural Diversity
• Community Resources
• Policy Impact
• Local Communities
• Socioeconomic Outcome
• Social Integration
• Local Perceptions
• New York City
• International Relations
• Nonprofit Studies

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/international_studies_theses/27

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.chapman.edu:international_studies_theses-1030