Many call the United States a land of opportunity, but a recent study led by the University of Texas at Arlington asked a group of Middle Eastern and North African refugees how they felt about their prospects in America.
The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 24 Arabic-speaking refugees, aiming to understand both their struggles and hopes after immigrating to the U.S.
“Our work was inspired by the community’s own concerns,” the researchers explain. “We heard strong accounts of the difficulties immigrants face, particularly with family conflicts and adjusting to life in a new country.”
Daily challenges
Two key themes emerged from the interviews: the daily challenges refugees endure and the aspirations they have for a better future in the U.S.
The challenges refugees face range from language barriers, intimate partner violence, and mental health issues—which some downplayed as significant concerns. On the practical side, refugees struggle with legal status, affordable housing, employment, transportation, and access to healthcare and childcare. On the cultural side, difficulties include adapting to new gender roles, family dynamics, and the stigma surrounding mental health.
The researchers believe that local organizations and communities play a critical role in helping immigrants adjust to their new lives. “Providing strong language support in the early stages of resettlement is essential,” they note. “Automated translation tools could be valuable here, along with improving access to affordable housing and jobs.”
In terms of opportunities, many respondents pointed to the political freedoms, quality of governance, and educational prospects for their children as reasons for optimism. Refugees see the U.S. as an appealing place to build a better life, with support networks among fellow immigrants providing further encouragement.
Ultimately, overcoming the difficulties faced by immigrants will require a collective effort. “Refugee families are full of hard-working, resilient individuals, but they face immense challenges in silence. It’s important for professionals, service providers, and the general public to be better informed and equipped to help them navigate these obstacles,” the researchers conclude.
