Iraqi Refugee Resettlement in the US: Addressing Post-Entry Integraton

Problem Statement:

At the entry-level transition, Iraqi refugees lack sufficient cultural preparation for life in Durham. As refugees, Iraqis have a well-founded fear of returning home and did not immigrate here by choice. They are thus more reluctant to integrate into American culture. Their certifications from Iraq do not usually cross over to North Carolina, which prevents them from having jobs that provide similar incomes to what they had in Iraq. Iraqis from Baghdad are particularly more accustomed to higher standards of living – which contributes greatly to depression. They also have a language barrier that prevent them from receiving proper job training and prevents them from receiving employment in American, English speaking companies. Several Iraqis also suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from the exposure to violence they had in Iraq. Their only previous interactions with Americans were aggressive in nature because of the war, and some carry that aggression to their interactions in Durham and CWS staff. Iraqis also tend to carry prejudices from back home with them including those of race, gender, and sexuality. Iraqis also suffer from isolation when faced with these cultural challenges.

Currently, Church World Service limits it collaboration with local organizations and previously resettled Iraqi refugees limited because of its lack of funding and staff. Additionally, these collaborations are not part of the mission of Church World Service, which takes the entire resettlement program under its umbrella rather outsourcing it. It need to utilize the willing and able past Iraqi refugee community, and recognize the shared goals of other NGOs and resettlement agencies in the region. Lastly, there is a lack of engagement between the Durham communities and refugees, which makes it difficult for refugees to feel invested in the community. The resettlement program of Church World Service focuses merely on entry-level transition, and is neglecting the most crucial component of resettlement: integration. Post entry-level integration is necessary to encourage refugees to become active members of the community, which will ultimately produce larger positive effects on the relationship between the refugees and the larger Durham community.