Introduction: Critical Reflections on Refugee Integration: Lessons from International Perspectives

Smyth, Geri; Emma, Stewart; Lomba, Sylvie Da

doi:10.1093/jrs/feq043

Cited by 25 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Nevertheless, the concept of integration is contested, which means that the precise nature of the relationship between refugee integration and citizenship remains somewhat unclear. There is much debate in the literature about what is meant by integration and how this relates to refugees (Ager and Strang 2010;Castles et al 2002;Smyth, Stewart, and Da Lomba 2010). A key differentiation has been drawn between structural integration which means participation in society's main institutions such as the labour and housing market, and acculturation which relates more to evolving identities and cultures (Korac 2003).…”

Section: Refugee Integration and Citizenshipmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seeking Safety beyond Refuge: The Impact of Immigration and Citizenship Policy upon Refugees in the UK

Emma¹,

Mulvey²

2013

Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies

102

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Western states are concerned about maintaining and securing national borders. Across Europe, one response has been to implement restrictive asylum regimes that prevent 'bogus' applicants and grant refuge only to the 'deserving'. Alongside these concerns, states are eager to encourage socially cohesive communities. One recent tool adopted by the UK government has been citizenship policy, including English language/life in the UK tests and citizenship ceremonies. By drawing upon in-depth interviews with refugees in Scotland (UK), this paper explores the impact of the current asylum regime and citizenship policies from the perspective of individual voices that are often absent from wider debates. It explores how temporary refugee status impacts upon individuals' everyday lives including employment and education, and impacts upon children. The data also question the reasons for refugees deciding to become British citizens (or not) and highlight instrumental reasons alongside less tangible factors such as gaining a sense of security. Taking the discussion forward, the study explores some unintended consequences of immigration and citizenship policies in the UK. The research suggests that not only do restrictive asylum policies negatively impact upon refugees and their integration but also serve to elevate fear and uncertainty, which can unintentionally spur individuals to seek naturalisation.

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Section: Refugee Integration and Citizenshipmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seeking Safety beyond Refuge: The Impact of Immigration and Citizenship Policy upon Refugees in the UK

Emma¹,

Mulvey²

2013

Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies

102

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“…It aimed to examine how the cohort had negotiated the transition to early adulthood, given the demands of initial settlement, with specific focus on education, employment, social inclusion, and local and transnational family networks. This re--engagement with the cohort was of value given the lack of research which examines the longer term experiences of refugees, and refugee young people in particular (Refugee Council of Australia 2010; Smyth et al 2010). The primary research methods consisted of an in--depth interview and a short questionnaire.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…mental health, education, family). The Good Starts longitudinal study, however, examined refugee settlement experiences and focused on inter--linking elements of settlement, wellbeing and integration (Ager and Strang 2008;Smyth et al 2010). It is important to note that, while longitudinal in design, the study focused on only one segment of the 'forced migration--settlement' experience -the early settlement years.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Studying Refugee Settlement through Longitudinal Research: Methodological and Ethical Insights from the Good Starts Study

McMichael

Nunn

Gifford

et al. 2014

Journal of Refugee Studies

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Research involving resettled refugees raises methodological and ethical complexities. These complexities typically emerge within cross-sectional research that focuses on refugee experiences at a specific point in time. Given the long-term and dynamic nature of refugee settlement, longitudinal research is valuable, yet it raises distinct complexities within the research process. This article focuses on the methodological and ethical insights that emerged in a longitudinal study of settlement and wellbeing with a cohort of young people from refugee backgrounds in Australia. It considers: engagement and retention of a cohort over time; the need to adapt research tools to changing settlement contexts and life-stages; participants' experiences of long-term involvement in the study; and the challenge of timely translation of findings into evidence for policy and practice. The paper contributes to a growing understanding of the practical, ethical and epistemological challenges and opportunities presented by longitudinal research, in this case, with resettled refugee background youth.

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“…What constitutes home, then, is contested in resettlement (Elliott et al., 2007: 2), as is collective memory of cultural practice. Disputed ideas of home impact on membership, identity and feelings of belonging (Smyth et al., 2010). Participation in these contested spaces can result in ‘betwixt’ living, ‘homelessness’, or feelings of not belonging (Korac, 2009: 35–7).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Death and dying in a Karen refugee community: An overlooked challenge in the resettlement process

Bird

2018

Ethnography

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This paper explores death and dying in a settling refugee community. I use ethnographic description to explore an overlooked practical challenge of resettlement – funerals. The focus of research is the Brisbane Karen community, from Burma and/or Thai-Burma border camps. Death and dying as a theme of resettlement research is inadequate. Yet we ought to consider death and dying as a settlement challenge, just as we consider language, employment, or housing (for example). Death and dying traverses the practical challenges of settlement, to deeper ontological questions associated with spiritual existence, rituals and community bonding. The paper provides practical insights into the basic boundaries of Australian funeral practice, which can speak to other minority groups practising burial rites that depart from the mainstream. It comments on how those boundaries can bump up against cultural practice brought from elsewhere. It also demonstrates transnationalism in the Brisbane Karen community.

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Introduction: Critical Reflections on Refugee Integration: Lessons from International Perspectives

Cited by 25 publications

References 7 publications

Seeking Safety beyond Refuge: The Impact of Immigration and Citizenship Policy upon Refugees in the UK

Seeking Safety beyond Refuge: The Impact of Immigration and Citizenship Policy upon Refugees in the UK

Studying Refugee Settlement through Longitudinal Research: Methodological and Ethical Insights from the Good Starts Study

Death and dying in a Karen refugee community: An overlooked challenge in the resettlement process

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