Iraqi Refugees in the United States

In the literature on forced migration, little is known about the experiences of Iraqi refugees resettled in the United States through the US Refugee Admissions, Reception and Placement Program. As part of its longstanding refugee resettlement policy, the United States has accepted and provided safe haven to thousands of refugees. Focusing primarily on the situation of Iraqis resettled in Arizona since the 1990s, this research uses interview findings and first-hand data to examine various aspects of their post-resettlement experiences through a meta-theoretical approach that includes aspects of humanitarian governance, adaptation, acculturation and integration. Building on this theoretical understanding, this book examines the process from the first moment of resettlement to integration as a multi-layered social reality and reveals the fundamental impact of forced migration on the 'politics of refugee life'. By examining the US resettlement program in relation to the role and functionsof resettlement agencies and non-profit organizations in collaboration with the government, this book highlights the fundamental difference between refugee integration and migrant integration, introduces new concepts of integration, discusses the US refugee admissions, reception and placement program and refugee integration in relation to the organization of humanitarian governance globally, and offers recommendations for improving resettlement and integration processes.

Unpacks US refugee admission program by assessing its practices and limitations in assisting refugees Develops the concepts 'vicious cycle of refugee integration' and 'blind spot of integration' Explores how Iraqi refugees develop their acculturation strategies in a new culture

Autorentext

Volkan Deli has a Ph.D. in Sociology from Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Türkiye. He is a part-time lecturer at TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara, Türkiye and an external affiliate for the Centre for Refugee Studies (CRS) at York University, Toronto, Canada. During his 14-year professional career, he undertook various positions in a non-governmental organization working with refugees, UNHCR and the Council of Europe offices in Türkiye respectively in the fields of refugee rights, refugee protection, international protection, access to justice for women and girls

Inhalt

1. Introduction: Field Research in Arizona.- 2. Forced Migration, Resettlement and Responsibilization in the Functioning of Humanitarian Governance.- 3. A Politics of Refugee Lives.- 4. Self-Sufficiency Policy and the Construction of New Americans in Arizona.- 5. Social and Economic Integration of Iraqi Refugees in Arizona6. The Limits of Integration: From Iraqi-American Identity to Citizenship.- 7. Rethinking Refugee Integration