African refugee resettlement in the US: the role and significance of voluntary agencies

Abstract

Voluntary agencies (VOLAGs) have long played a major role in US immigration, acting as intermediaries between government and individuals. This research demonstrates how VOLAGs impact the migration patterns of African refugees directly and indirectly, changing the urban geography of the foreign-born. They play a key role throughout the resettlement process through the determination of resettlement locations; and through the facilitation of monetary, case management, health, education, and career placement services. Together with local social networks, and employment or educational organizations, they can enhance the likelihood that refugee in-migrations succeed. They may also indirectly play a role by compensating for a lack of social networks or economic assistance. Conversely, ineffective VOLAG support can substantially delay the ability of new refugees to effectively integrate into local communities. Communities that don't have strong systems of VOLAGs may see refugees migrating away from their communities to locales where they can receive this assistance from either VOLAGs; or from family, friends, or an ethnic community. In this research two mid-sized communities – Columbus, Ohio and Providence, Rhode Island – clarify these issues, highlighting strengths and limitations of these forms of resettlement assistance.