MAPPING THE ORGANIZATIONAL AND LOCAL CONSEQUENCES OF DECLINING REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT IN THE UNITED STATES

Abstract

The purpose of this senior thesis research is to track the impacts of the decline in refugee admissions on the United States refugee resettlement infrastructure. The study was completed in collaboration with five of the nine voluntary agencies currently contracted by the federal government to resettle refugees in the US. The study makes use of survey and interview data to summarize the transition of the resettlement industry by three main categories: funding and fundraising, organizational capacity, and industry reactions and creative institutional solutions.

This research ultimately finds a multiplicity of creative responses by the voluntary agencies in reaction to the current anti-refugee and anti-immigrant political environment. Notable trends include: distrust in federal funding; seeking alternatives sources of federal, local, and private funding; staff, office, and program downsizing; increased tensions between voluntary agencies; staff reassignment; continued agency and industry research; a need for grassroots advocacy; and consideration and/or increased pursuit of community co-sponsorship programs.

It is important to note that this research is not meant to make recommendations for or evaluations of the resettlement industry. Rather, it serves as an observation and compilation of trends. It can – and should – be further expanded upon, and may be useful to resettlement agencies considering their options.