The Faltering US Refugee Protection System: Legal and Policy Responses to Refugees, Asylum-Seekers, and Others in Need of Protection

Abstract

This paper has been produced in cooperation with the Pilot Projects on Transatlantic Methods for Handling Global Challenges in the European Union and the United States, a project funded by the European Commission. The project is conducted jointly by the Migration Policy Institute and the European University Institute. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the author and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.

‘We have education, I can say that’: worldview and access to education for adult refugees

“…Many refugees resettle in the US in part because of perceived educational opportunities, but quickly become disillusioned (Kerwin ; Perry and Mallozzi ). In order to support refugees toward self‐sufficiency, educators and other stakeholders must understand the worldviews that influence their educational decision‐making.…”

“…Despite higher levels of education, refugees typically have lower English proficiency than other immigrants (Batalova, Fix, and Creticos ; Capps et al ). US policy itself prevents educational access for many refugees: The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) funds various support services and expects refugees to find employment within 180 days; local resettlement agencies risk losing funding when this does not happen (Kerwin ; Capps et al ; Capps and Fix ). Although “early self‐sufficiency through employment represents a core program goal” for the ORR (Kerwin : 7), this vision excludes education beyond job training or English‐language classes (Capps et al ).…”

‘Are You Able … to Learn?’: Power and Access to Higher Education for African Refugees in the USA

“…In 2007, approximately 48,000 refugees resettled in the USA; this number increased to 60,000 in 2008, and the resettlement ceiling has been raised to 80,000 for 2011 (Kerwin, 2011). The USA has also accepted refugees from an increasingly diverse range of nations.…”

“…Refugees are expected to find employment within 180 days (an increase from 90 days due to the ongoing recession and high unemployment), otherwise local resettlement agencies risk losing funding (Perry, 2010). Refugee employment rates fell from 54% to 40% between 2006 and 2009, due to the economic downturn, and many of those who were employed only had temporary or part-time jobs (Kerwin, 2011). Kerwin notes that 'early selfsufficiency through employment represents a core program goal ' (2011, p. 7) for the ORR; yet educational opportunities, beyond job training or ESL classes for employment purposes, do not appear to be included in this vision.…”

“…Kerwin notes that 'early selfsufficiency through employment represents a core program goal ' (2011, p. 7) for the ORR; yet educational opportunities, beyond job training or ESL classes for employment purposes, do not appear to be included in this vision. This 'one size fits all' approach to resettlement policy has been criticized as not addressing the wide range of refugee needs and circumstances (Mingkwan et al, 1995;Perry, 2008;Brick et al, 2010;Kerwin, 2011). Refugees themselves criticize local agencies for not doing enough to support their educational goals and aspirations (Perry, 2010).…”