Boosting Refugee Outcomes: Evidence from Policy, Academia, and Social Innovation

Many refugees face common barriers towards achieving integration in western countries, including lack of language proficiency, difficulty finding a job commensurate with their education and skills, and mental health stressors. "Boosting Refugee Outcomes: Evidence from Policy, Academia, and Social Innovation" draws on policy reports and academic studies (both descriptive and experimental) to answer two questions: (1) what do we know about refugee outcomes? and; (2) what factors are associated with these outcomes? The author synthesizes information on the individual and environmental traits associated with the socio-economic well-being of refugees – ranging from country of origin and gender to ethnic enclaves and rigid labor markets. She then surveys pilot projects and programs aimed at integrating refugees globally, with a focus on the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The evidence base suggests that programs leveraging community support while supplementing income – such as apprenticeships, private sponsorship, and cash transfers dovetailed with financial mentorship – represent promising paths forward. The report features a series of “takeaways” on topics as wide-ranging as pre-school participation, housing policy, financial literacy interventions, and the potential of volunteers to assist with the resettlement process. Finally, the author provides a 14-page list of references on refugee integration. (American Immigrant Policy Portal)

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