“The Pain of Exile”: What Social Workers Need to Know about Burmese Refugees

Abstract

Refugees from Burma have comprised the largest group of refugees resettling in the United States over the past decade, with nearly 90,000 people, and 19 percent of the total refugee population. However, very little literature exists that describes the cultural context and displacement experiences of this population. This article addresses that gap in the literature by examining historical, social, political, and cultural dimensions relevant to social work practice with Burmese refugees. Practice with Burmese refugees should be informed by knowledge of refugee policy, refugee resettlement, and social services delivery systems; the Burmese historical and political context; the community's specific strengths, needs, and cultural diversity; and human rights and social justice issues. Strong community partnerships between social workers and indigenous community leaders, between resettlement agencies and ethnic community-based organizations, and between different Burmese refugee groups are important to meeting short- and long-term social services needs and fostering successful adaptation and community integration.

Burmese Refugee Women in the Midwest: Narratives of Resilience and Posttraumatic Growth

“…In total, 30% of the Burmese population lives below the poverty line, as compared to 13% of all other Asian American and Pacific Islander groups (Vang & Trieu, 2014). Although third-country resettlement provides a wealth of new opportunities for Burmese refugees, many contend with a number of postresettlement stressors that impact their adjustment and wellbeing (Fike & Androff, 2016). Studies indicate that Karen women resettled in the United States were more likely than men to report symptoms of posttraumatic distress, depression, and somatic scores (Cardozo et al, 2004; Shannon et al, 2015).…”

“…The group resettlement program of Burmese refugees from these border camps represents one of the world's largest and most successful resettlement efforts (Tan, 2014). Since 2005, more than 148,000 Burmese refugees have been resettled in the United States (Zong & Batalova, 2015), and a further 19,000 have been relocated to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Finland, and Norway (Fike & Androff, 2016).…”

“…During the 1960s, ethnic minority insurgent groups, including the Karen National Union and the Karen National Liberation Army, fighting against years of discrimination and repression, instituted a series of armed conflicts to claim local sovereignty and independence from the government (Barron et al, 2007). Intent on maintaining political and economic authority, the Burmese military used brute physical force and deprivation tactics to control rural ethnic villages (Fike & Androff, 2016). Widespread torture and abuse have been documented in this region for years and include the confiscation of land and property, forced food insecurity, extortion, and sexual and physical assault (Malseed, 2009).…”

Culturally Effective Practice With Refugees in Community Health Centers: An Exploratory Study

“…UN designated refugees are provided Medicaid to cover health expenses their first year of resettlement. However, many are prevented from receiving care because of communication and transportation barriers (Fike & Androff, 2016). Social workers are crucial players in knitting together services and supporting refugee communities.…”

Once arrived: A qualitative study of refugees and service providers in the first six months of resettlement

“…The burden to manage the needs of refugees is placed on health and social service providers, as well as the policy makers responsible for managing the available resources to meet the needs of all those involved (Fike & Androff, 2016;Khan et al, 2016;Mott, 2010;Pittaway et al, 2016;Westoby & Ingamells, 2010). Providers working with refugees can experience vicarious trauma (Puvimanasinghe et al, 2015).…”