Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies最新文献

Abstract

To investigate the specific events and processes that contribute to volunteering in refugee aid, we conducted a qualitative study with volunteers in Germany (N = 220). Participants described in their own words critical incidents that motivated them to volunteer. Content analysis revealed contact with refugees (spatial closeness or conversation), contact with non-refugees (volunteers or xenophobic persons), media experiences (reports about refugees or calls for action), and biographical incidents (own migration or major life changes) as key experiences. The results provide valuable insights into experiences that motivate people to volunteer in refugee aid, which supports integration processes of refugees and asylum-seekers.

Abstract

Experiences of young people from refugee backgrounds in resettlement are impacted by their families, communities, and society. This study investigated factors that affected the psychological wellbeing of refugee-background youth, highlighting the complex relationships between these factors. Quantitative survey data collected from refugee-background youth in Australia, aged 14-26 (n = 556) were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results showed that family function and discrimination impacted youth psychological wellbeing, with relationships mediated by levels of integration and resilience. Policies and practices targeting wellbeing can therefore focus on supporting families, to positively influence refugee-background young people and counter negative impacts of discrimination.

Abstract

This article presents findings from research on women’s lived experiences with technology in refugee resettlement. Participants include focus group discussions with 22 refugee women and interviews with 26 staff from refugee serving organizations in Washington state. We adopt a feminist socio-technical approach and draw on feminist and transformative methodologies. The research engaged participants in discussions about technology including ICTs, household appliances, transportation technology, and financial services such as ATMs. From our findings, we consider how women learn technology and learn to navigate three socio-technical ecosystems in everyday life: (1) the resettlement process (2) public daily life, and (3) home and community.

Abstract

This study reports data on the effectiveness of Eltern-Aktiv, a culture-sensitive parenting program developed for refugee parents. We used a mixed-method approach, namely standardized questionnaire-based interview with refugee parents (N_pre = 39, N_post = 21) and qualitative interviews with five trainers. Results indicated the effectiveness of the program for positive parenting behaviors (i.e., positive conflict behavior, support, and structuring), but not for attitudes (i.e., awareness of parenting norms and values, parenting efficacy, acculturation orientation and fears regarding cultural differences). Implications of our findings are discussed as well as the question of how to access the vulnerable group of refugee families.

Abstract

In this paper, we explore Colombian secondary students’ views on Venezuelan migration. Despite contradictory feelings on the topic, our findings show the prevalence of (perceived) economic and security threats associated with migrants. Tensions emerged over perceptions that Venezuelan migration has shifted attention from unresolved domestic issues, contributing to nationalist and xenophobic sentiments. Young people also exhibited concerns about xenophobic discourse and showed efforts to resist the harms of mainstream narratives. We suggest that critical openings for curricular inquiry and dialogue in classrooms are needed to engage explicitly with young people’s concerns and to mitigate potential discrimination Venezuelans experience in schools.

Abstract

In this contribution we will shed light on how individual and social post-migration factors affect the well-being of undocumented migrants. Using retrospective interviews, this study involves undocumented migrants who live in the Netherlands and have received psychosocial support. The stories of these undocumented migrants demonstrate that individual and social post-migration factors (such as health and social contacts) are closely entangled. These pathways are not often considered by mental health and psychosocial support organizations. A better understanding of these pathways will strengthen support for as yet untapped factors of change, and be effective in improving the well-being of undocumented migrants.

Abstract

Using a representative survey of 800 small and medium-sized employers across Atlantic Canada, we empirically tested factors associated with employers’ attitudes toward hiring immigrants. Results showed employers who recently hired immigrants reported more positive attitudes, consistent with our theory that deep contact fosters positive perceptions. Employers in New Brunswick reported less-positive attitudes than those in the other Atlantic Provinces. Public-sector and not-for-profit employers had more positive perceptions than private-sector and for-profit employers. The coefficients for the rural/urban divide showed expected signs but were statistically insignificant. We interpret our findings and suggest implications for policy and practice.

Abstract

Are politicians more responsive to foreign citizens if they have the right to vote? To examine this question, we exploit regional variation in voting rights for foreign citizens in Switzerland. Our original audit experiments find no evidence that local politicians are more responsive to foreign citizens depending on whether foreign citizens have the right to vote. Another survey suggests that local politicians are not strongly motivated by reelection. Although our findings are preliminary, given the small sample size, they may indicate that responsiveness at the local level may differ from the national level.