User:Denizmasjedi/Asylum in the United States

Article Draft
Italicized: my texts

Article section 7 before "criticisms" section: [Approaches for refugee resettlement]
The refugee program in the US emphasizes the work-first approach. The result of this approach is an increase in employment rates as refugees are provided with resources—English language lessons, resume building, interview skills, etc.—that prepare them for obtaining their first job in the U.S. The limits of this approach has been ignoring other factors that present as barriers to employment rates including mental and physical health problems, unfamiliarity with work and social culture in their new environment, and "brain waste" which is a term used to describe those who have professional qualifications but their English language proficiency is limited and prevents them from obtaining jobs matching their skills. This job-first focus does not take into account that refugees have limited time to adjust to their new environment and enter low-skilled jobs. This approach to economic self-sufficiency ignores the background of refugees; this population does not receive services that match their specific needs. Without acknowledging people’s concerns from a bottom-up perspective (a perspective that allows refugees themselves to make informed decisions and create change for themselves), the job-first focus approach cannot be as effective. The result is underemployment. Regardless of their qualifications, new refugees take low-level jobs as janitors, hotel maids and domestic workers. Interviews with refugees often portray the shame members of the group experience, while on paper they are employed and ‘self-sufficient’. The job-first approach may be effective in helping refugees find low-skilled jobs immediately, but it ignores the underemployment rate and their other essential needs. It merely encourages ceasing dependence on welfare. Experts suggest that approaches must strengthen the workforce, allowing them to build essential skills towards further advancement in economy or education, which can be done by addressing other needs such as mental health, affordable housing, and going further than policies that determine the lowest wage needed for mere survival.

An alternative approach is to increase the political and social power of immigrants. The political power of immigrants and their social power can be increased if nonprofit organizations partner with Immigrant Advocates, and track and conduct research on anti-resettlement policies. This increases political power since immigration advocates represent refugees, and also create a foundation for future collective action by bringing the federal/local government, immigration advocacy groups, and even refugees, themselves, together. They can influence policies and become involved in collective action. Understanding the way policy is implemented at the local level must be studied further and be mediated by creating opportunities for clients to express their voice as well as shaping policy experience through refugee advocacy groups. Political advocacy can be most effective if members of the community themselves become involved and voice their needs, which differs in each refugee community. Efforts must be made to publicize the benefits that refugees make to local communities and portray concrete consequences of their exclusion.